2021 CHAN: Mali reach final after defeating Guinea on penalties

Douala, Cameroon (PANA) - Mali will play in Sunday's final of the 2021 African Nations Championship (CHAN) in Yaounde after winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout on Wednesday to eliminate Guinea at the tournament in Cameroon.

The match between the arch rivals and neighbours ended goalless after extra time and it was substitute striker Mamadou Coulibaly who decided the semi-final tie at the Japoma Stadium in Douala.

Coulibaly sent Guinea substitute goalkeeper Sekouba Camara the wrong way with the final kick of the match to secure the Eagles’ place in the final.

This was after Sylli National playmaker, Morlaye Sylla, fluffed his side’s final kick while Coulibaly ensured that Mali converted all their kicks to spark a wild jubilation.

Mali will have to wait until Wednesday night to know their opponents in Sunday’s final as hosts Cameroon take on title holders Morocco in the other semi-final match in Limbe.

Guinea will play the losers of the Morocco/Cameroon match in the third-place playoff at the Reunification Stadium in Douala on Saturday.

-0- PANA VAO 3Feb2021