Mali Secure AFCON Qualification with 2-0 Win Over Algeria
Bamako, Mali – 19 November 2014
Mali sealed their place in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals after a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in Bamako on Wednesday. Seydou Keita and his teammates ensured their spot in the tournament, which will take place in Equatorial Guinea from January 17 to February 8, 2015, by defeating the Algerian Fennecs on the final day of the qualifiers.
Despite Algeria already having qualified for the tournament and going into the match unbeaten in the qualifiers, Mali played with determination and secured a well-deserved win. The match’s opening goal came in the 29th minute when former Barcelona star Seydou Keita converted a penalty, giving Mali the advantage. In the second half, Sambou Yatabaré doubled the lead with a powerful strike in the 51st minute, ensuring the victory for the hosts.
“I’m happy with this victory, which allows us to qualify for the final phase of the CAN,” said Keita after the match. “From now on, I won’t leave the national team by the back door. I will still have the opportunity to prove myself at the next tournament. I thank all the Malian people for supporting us. As for the match, I would say that we beat the best team in Africa at the moment.”
Mali’s victory was particularly sweet given the challenges they faced throughout the campaign. The team had to wait until the final day to confirm their qualification, but their resilience paid off. Algeria, on the other hand, suffered their first defeat of the qualifiers, but they had already secured their place in the tournament by that point.
Cheikh Tidiane Diabaté, who was absent from the match due to injury, also expressed his joy at Mali’s qualification. “I’m happy with this victory against Algeria, it’s special. I’m also happy with this qualification,” said Diabaté. “I hope we’ll have luck in the final phase of the CAN.”
With this result, Mali joined the list of teams set to compete in the 2015 AFCON finals, where they will aim to make a strong impact and challenge for the continental title.
