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Although Mali's Issoufi Maiga missed his spot-kick, the team displayed unwavering composure as all four remaining players converted their penalties. The final score stood at 4-3 in favor of Mali.
Mali's U23 football team has secured qualification for the Paris Olympic Games after a two-decade-long wait.
The historic milestone came after a thrilling play-off match against Guinea at the TotalEnergies CAF U23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023, which ended in a nail-biting penalty shootout.
The match, played at the Ibn Batouta Stadium, saw both teams fiercely battling for the coveted Olympic qualification.
The first half produced limited scoring opportunities, with neither team able to find the breakthrough.
However, the intensity heightened in the second half as both teams returned to the pitch determined to secure victory.
Guinea's Algassime Bah came close to opening the scoring on two occasions, but Mali's goalkeeper Lassine Diarra proved to be a formidable presence, denying their attempts.
Mali's Diarra emerged as the hero of the shootout, making crucial saves against 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. The final score stood at 4-3 in favor of Mali.
This victory marks the second time in Mali's football history that the U23 team has qualified for the Olympics.
The first qualification came in 2004 when the Olympic Eagles reached the quarter-finals in Athens under the leadership of legendary coach Tenema N'Diaye.
The 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.
Guinea still has a chance to secure a place in the Olympics through a playoff against an opponent from Asia, with the date yet to be announced.
The final of the CAF U23 AFCON 2023 will take place in Rabat on Saturday, with Morocco and Egypt vying for top honours.
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