Equatorial Guinea is in the quarter-finals of the AFCON. The Nzalang Nacional won on penalties (5-6) against Mali after a goalless draw (0-0)
As in the first round of 16 on Wednesday, Mali and Equatorial Guinea went through the fateful penalty shootout. And it was Equatorial Guinea who finally won after a goalless draw. Both teams even played a game below expectations.
The first half was indeed poor in chances but dominated by Mali. The Eagles managed to break through the Equatorial Guinean defense with a single shot on target from Ibrahima Koné in the seventh minute. The referee awarded a penalty to Mali but cancelled it after looking at the VAR (42nd). The two teams returned to the locker room with a goalless draw.
Mali multiplied their chances in the second half but struggled to find the net. Mohamed Camara misses his shot in the 80th minute. Mohamed Camara missed a golden opportunity to give his team the lead. Camara's shot from the penalty spot flew over the frame (58'). Equatorial Guinea, however, were dangerous. Emilio Nsue missed his shot in the Malian box (88th).
The game went into extra time without a goal. Neither side managed to score. Alioune Dieng entered the game (108th), his shot is rejected by the Equatorial Guinean keeper Jesus Owono (112th). The penalty shootout thus separates the two teams. Equatorial Guinea qualified for the quarter-finals. They will face Senegal on Sunday 30 January at 7 pm GMT in Yaounde.
📹 𝐇𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐋𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓𝐒: 🇲🇱 0(5) - 0(6) 🇬🇶 #TeamEquatorialGuinea reaches the quarter-finals for the third time in history after beating Mali.
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