TANGIER, Morocco — Mali’s U-23 football team has finally secured qualification for the Paris Olympic Games after a two-decade-long wait.
In a highly anticipated play-off match at the CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, coach Badara Alou Diallo’s team triumphed over Guinea in a nail-biting penalty shootout, prevailing 4-3 after a goalless draw.
The first half of the match at the Ibn Batouta Stadium produced limited scoring opportunities, but both teams returned to the pitch determined to find the breakthrough.
Algassime Bah came close to opening the scoring for Guinea on two occasions, but Mali’s goalkeeper Lassine Diarra proved to be a formidable presence.
With neither team able to break the deadlock, the match was ultimately decided in a tense penalty shootout.
Diarra emerged as the hero for Mali, saving the penalty kicks of Aguibou Camara and Seydoumba Cisse.
Although Mali’s Issoufi Maiga missed his spot-kick, the team displayed unwavering composure as all four remaining players converted their penalties.
This historic victory marks the second time in Mali’s football history that the U-23 team has qualified for the Olympics, the first being in 2004 when the Olympic Eagles reached the quarter-finals in Athens under the leadership of legendary coach Tenema N’Diaye.
Emotions ran high among the players and officials of the Mali team as they celebrated their long-awaited qualification for the Paris Olympics.
Mali now joins Morocco and Egypt as the third African nation to secure their spot in the prestigious tournament, with Guinea capable of sealing a place via a playoff against an opponent from Asia in a yet-to-be announced date.
As the journey continues for these talented young athletes, Mali’s qualification for the Paris Olympics serves as a testament to their determination and skill.
The stage is now set for an exhilarating display of football prowess as the U-23 teams from various nations compete for Olympic glory in the vibrant city of Paris.
Meanwhile, Seydouba Cisse, the talented midfielder of Guinea’s U-23 team, remained resolute in his determination to work hard and secure qualification for the Paris Olympics 2024 despite missing out of an automatic place.
Cisse’s exceptional performance earned him the Man of the Match award, despite his team’s 4-3 loss in a penalty shootout against Mali in the third place play-off match.
“It is unfortunate that we came out on the losing side. However, in football, there can only be one winner and one loser,” expressed the Spanish-based player.
Cisse acknowledged that the five matches they played throughout the tournament have been valuable in shaping their readiness for the upcoming play-off stage.
He emphasized their unwavering commitment to fight for qualification, stating, “We will continue to battle in the play-off in our quest to secure our spot.”
Despite missing a penalty during the defeat against Mali, Cisse remains positive and focused on the journey ahead.
He recognized the invaluable experience gained from the tournament and stressed the importance of maintaining a strong work ethic, as their journey is far from over.
“We will maintain a positive mindset and continue working diligently,” Cisse added.
Furthermore, Cisse highlighted that even the greatest players, such as Lionel Messi, occasionally miss penalties, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of the game.
With their spirits unyielding, the Guinea U-23 team will regroup and redirect their efforts towards the next phase of the play-off as they strive to achieve their ultimate goal – securing qualification for the prestigious Paris Olympics.
