Mali complete stunning comeback to reach third round of 2028 Olympic qualifiers

Mali recovered from a two-goal first-leg deficit to beat Benin 6-2 in Bamako and progress to the third round of the women’s football qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The Aigles Dames had been beaten 3-1 by the Amazones in the first meeting, but turned the tie around with a decisive victory at the Stade Mamadou-Konate on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Mali advanced 7-5 on aggregate.

Having started the second leg needing to overturn the deficit, Mali made the ideal start when Fatoumata Diarra opened the scoring in the 26th minute.

Sarantou Traore then struck in first-half stoppage time, bringing the aggregate score level and giving the hosts renewed hope of completing the comeback.

Mali moved ahead in the tie shortly after the interval. Agueissa Diarra scored in the 56th minute to make it 3-0 on the night, leaving Benin in danger of surrendering their advantage.

However, Romaine Gandonou brought the Amazones back into contention with two goals in the space of eight minutes. Her first came in the 67th minute, before she added a second in the 75th to restore Benin’s aggregate lead.

The momentum quickly shifted again. Aissata Traore put Mali back in front on the night with a goal in the 79th minute, and Oumou Kone added another two minutes later.

Agueissa Diarra completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, sealing Mali’s 6-2 victory and confirming their place in the next round.

The Aigles Dames will face Senegal in the third round after the Senegalese side eliminated Tunisia.

Mali remain in contention for one of the two African qualifying places for the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.