AFCON 2021: Equatorial Guinea make it to the final 8
Equatorial Guinea beat Mali 6-5 on penalties following a goalless stalemate after 120 minutes of play in the last-16 tie of AFCON 2021 at Limbe Stadium.
Not since a third placed finish in South Africa back in 2013 had Mali been to the last 8 at the Africa Cup of Nations ahead of their round of 16 encounter against fellow dark horses Equatorial Guinea, who themselves having tasted quarterfinal action back in 2012 and 2015 were hunting a return to their “Promised Land”.
The first ever AFCON meeting between the Eagles and the National Thunder, it was the in-form Ibrahima Koné who went looking for the 11th goal in 9 international outings. He turned sharply before firing wide of the target, Jesus Owono in goal was relieved to see the effort flash agonizingly wide.
Having scored from the penalty spot in each of their last three group matches, Mali were then handed another when referee Bakary Papa Gassama thought Moussa Doumbia had been fouled in the area. Having been asked to have another look by VAR, the experienced referee overturned his decision, much to the approval of the men in red.
While the game would go into halftime and back without much further incidents, Mali’s best chance of the opening hour came courtesy of some fine work from Yves Bissouma. The Brighton midfielder beat quite a number of men before laying it onto Mohamed Camara who blazed his shot wide after being only few yards out.
Nothing separated the two sides in 90 minutes and it was the same story in the opening 15 minutes of extra time. Penalties were required after a 120 minutes of play as the scoreboard hadn’t been disturbed.
Emilio Nsue stepped up first for Equatorial Guinea only to sky his spot-kick, making it advantage Mali, an advantage confirmed by Adama Traore who made zero mistake and slotted it home. The next three spot-kicks would find the back of the net before Massadio Haidara’s effort was well kept out by Owono, who handed his side a way back into the shootout.
Then it was the National Thunder who were handed a lifeline after Hamari Traore fired off target. But with another save, Ibrahim Mounkoro kept the Eagles alive with sudden death coming up in Limbe.
It took a while to find a hero, but with the effort by Falaye Sacko saved, which needed another look via VAR consultation, Owono ensured that Equatorial Guinea continued their AFCON campaign into the last 8 after going the distance in Cameroon.
The way this afcon is shaping one can not really predict who will take the trophy home…..it’s just to relax and watch the drama to it’s conclusion….may the “best team” win…
I see a new king (country) of African football emerging this year.