After two decades of waiting, Mali’s U23 football team has qualified for the Paris Olympic Games.
Badara Alou Diallo’s team defeated Guinea in a thrilling penalty shootout in a play-off match at the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, winning 4-3 after a goalless draw.
At the Ibn Batouta Stadium, only a few opportunities to score were created in the first half, but both teams returned to the field determined to score.
Algassime Bah came close to scoring twice for Guinea, but Mali’s Lassine Diarra proved to be a formidable opponent.
The match came down to a tense penalty shootout because neither team was able to break the deadlock.
Diarra proved to be Mali’s hero by preventing the penalty kicks of Seydoumba Cisse and Aguibou Camara.
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Even though Mali’s Issoufi Maiga missed a penalty kick, the team kept its cool as all four of its remaining players converted their kicks.
The Olympic Eagles reached the quarterfinals in Athens in 2004 under legendary coach Tenema N’Diaye, making this historic victory the second time in Mali’s football history that the U23 team has qualified for the Olympics.
The Mali team celebrated their long-awaited qualification for the Paris Olympics with wild celebrations among the players and officials.
Mali is the third African nation to secure a spot in the prestigious tournament, joining Morocco and Egypt. Guinea could also secure a spot by winning a playoff against an Asian opponent at a date to be determined.
Mali’s qualification for the Olympics in Paris is evidence of the young athletes’ perseverance and ability as they continue their journey.
As the U23 football teams from various nations compete for Olympic glory in the city of Paris, the stage is now set for an exhilarating display of football skill.
Meanwhile, host Morocco beat Egypt at the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 final in Rabat on Saturday July 8.
