Football/ Mali edges closer to AFCON 2025 Qualification with 1-0 win Over Guinea-Bissau
The Malian national football team, known as the Eagles, took a significant step toward securing their spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) by defeating Guinea-Bissau 1-0 on Friday. This crucial win puts Mali at the top of Group I in the AFCON qualifiers, with seven points, edging them closer to their qualification goal.
The match, held in a packed stadium, saw Mali dominate possession but struggle to break through Guinea-Bissau’s solid defense. It wasn’t until the 62nd minute that the deadlock was broken, thanks to a clinical finish by El Bilal Touré.
The forward found the back of the net following an impressive assist from Adama Traoré “Malouda,” whose determination and skill created the scoring opportunity.
With this victory, the Eagles now sit in a commanding position in their group, needing just one more win to confirm their place in next year’s tournament, set to be held in Morocco.
The return leg against Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday presents Mali with the chance to seal their qualification early.
Coach Tom Saintfiet expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance but warned against complacency. “We are close, but the job is not done yet. We need to remain focused and finish strong in the next match,” he said.
