Despite an ongoing international operation against Islamist militants in their home country, Mali’s national soccer team has progressed to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Despite an ongoing international operation against Islamist militants in their home country, Mali’s national soccer team has progressed to the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa.
Mali shocked DR Congo when they came from behind to secure a 1-1 draw, giving the team the one point they terribly needed to qualify for the knockout stage, scheduled to begin on 2 February.
Although Mali made it out of their group by securing just four points, their excellent performance against favourites DR Congo will no doubt be worrying for whoever they play against in the next round.
Mali are the second team to qualify in Group B, as Ghana will join them in the quarter-finals after thrashing Niger 3-0.
“It was emotionally difficult knowing what was happening in the [Ghana] game and knowing we needed just a point,” said a delighted Mali coach Patrice Carteron. “We need to keep up our intensity.”
DR Congo coach Claude LeRoy said he hoped the Malian win would bring a new beginning for the country.
“We mastered the game but we didn’t create enough chances,” he said. “I want to congratulate Mali. I know that this win means a lot for the people of Mali.”
LeRoy added: “I know that Mali is going through a difficult moment right now, but they are not alone. In the DR Congo we have many internal problems and people have died.”
At press time, four other teams – South Africa and Cape Verde from Group A, and Nigeria and Burkina Faso in Group B – have also qualified for the next round.
Hosts South Africa topped their group with five points after drawing 2-2 draw with Morocco.
South Africa coach Gordon Igesund said he was “very, very proud” that his team made it despite the fact that their Moroccan opponents were “extremely tough”.
While eyeing a place in the final, Igesund said he hoped that his players would also learn from their mistakes, after conceding two easy goals in the group stage.
The biggest winners so far are the Cape Verde, who reached the last eight by defeating Angola 2-1.
Coach Luis Antunes said he and his team dedicated their victory “to the wonderful people of the Cape Verde islands.
“Our objective at this tournament has been achieved. We wanted to reach the quarter-finals,” he added.
