2016 CHAN/Finals: Mali confronts RDC

By Kelvin Nembo Njuhsop
Mali will play DR Congo Sunday in the final of the Africa Nations Championship, CHAN taking place in Rwanda. This is thanks to their 1-0 win over the Elephants of Ivory Coast in Thursday’s second semi-final game at the Stade de Kigali. The late but decisive goal of the encounter that gave them a ticket for the finals came from Yves Bissouma in the 89th minute.
    As one would have expected of any semi-final match, the beginning of the encounter was very tight. Neither side was willing to take any chances for fear of committing basic errors which could lead to their misfortune.
After a goalless first half during which Mamadou Coulibaly had a golden chance of giving Mali a victory but his penalty stopped by Badra Ali Sangare; both teams were up large in the second half to modify their reserve style of play to an open and offensive one.
    As the encounter unfolded, both sides had scoring opportunities and Mali seemed to be building the better momentum as exhibited in the first half of play, many sports analysts say.

    Subsequently, the Eagles continued to dominate, and despite some brilliant saves from Ali Sangare, Bissuoma hammered a powerful shot which surpassed the Ivorian goal keeper before entering into the net at the 89th minute.
At this crucial stage of the encounter, the Elephants of Ivory Coast were more than ever determined to reverse their fate. The last minute continued to tick by without a goal and their efforts seemed unfruitful until the referee blew the final whistle.
    That said, Sundays encounter will be very promising as Mali will do everything possible to grab the trophy for the first time against a resilient RDC side who just like Mali will want to be remembered as the first team to win this competition twice.