Izuchukwu Okosi
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Underdogs Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday night triumphed on penalty shootouts thanks to goalkeeper Jesus Owono who was the saviour for his team as they defeated west African side Mali by 6-5 to set a date with Senegal next Sunday.
The Nzalang Nacional has thus reached the quarterfinals for the third time in as many participations, while Mali failed to imitate what they did in Cameroon 50 years ago when the reached the final in 1972.
Mali could have opened the scoring after the 32nd minute. RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Handara came close to scoring but could not keep his balance to finish off a freekick.
The Malian Eagles tried a counter-attacking move to force their opponents into making mistakes. In the 37th minute, Mali striker Moussa Doumbia claimed a penalty kick, but the assistance of VAR overturned the penalty awarded.
For all their attacking prowess, Mali lost several chances to go ahead with Mohamed Camara the closest as he missed the target after a perfect assist from Brighton and Hoves midfielder Yves Bissouma after 58 minutes on the clock.
In extra-time, both sides were cautious, and after 120 minutes, it was the penalties to decide.
Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono was his side’s hero, saving two penalties to send NZalang Nacional to the final eight.
