Mali advanced Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso on Tuesday evening.
The Stallions started with Bertrand Traore, Abdoul Tapsoba and Mohamed Konate in the attack, but Les Aigles surprisingly named Yves Bissouma and Aliou Dieng on the bench.
Mali had the earlier advantage on just three minutes following kick-off as Edmond Tapsoba attempted to hoof a ball from the far side but ended up finding his own net.
Les Aigles were in total ascendancy -brought on the by the early goal but soon needed to track back and contain the Stallions who fashioned a response through Traore's long-range free-kick.
The Stallions very nearly doubled the lead with a first-time shot from a tight angle by Lassine Sinayoko from a throw-in on the half-hour mark, but Herve Koffi produced a stop.
With a double change hauled on by the Stallions after halftime in Cedric Badolo and Adamo Nagalo introduced, the Eagles needed to stay compact as the counterparts threatened a turnaround.
Les Aigles did more than that and went two goals to the good barely a minute into the resumption when Sinayoko latched in Hamadi Traore's delivery.
Mali's lead were under threat as the Stallions pulled one back through Bertrand Traore spot-kick after Boubakar Kouyate handled in the box according to the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
The Stallions remained under pressure soon thereafter and needed a fine stop from Koffi to steer Kamory Doumbia's free-kick and the ventures of key men Sinayoko too.
Mali could've sealed the contest two minutes into added time through an inviting chance for Sekou Koita in the box, but he mis-controlled and squandered the opportunity.
It was of no consequence as the Eagles held on for the win and booked their spot in the quarter-finals where they will face host Ivory Coast.
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