Mali-Burkina Faso : Clash Of West African Neighbours

The Eagles of Mali will take on the Stallions of Burkina Faso in a round 16 encounter today, January 30, 2024 at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo. The encounter promises to produce a lot of fireworks as each side will be out to secure a ticket for the quarterfinals. Mali had a smooth group stage competition. Mali finished as leaders of Group E with five points. Flawless in their AFCON campaign so far, Mali's adaptability and resolute defending have proven effective, frustrating opponents' attempts to breach their goal. 
Mali will look to continue their solid AFCON 2023 with further progression when they meet Burkina Faso today. Mali conceded just once in their three games. Excluding the opening fixture against South Africa (6 shots on target), the Eagles restricted both Tunisia and Namibia to a single shot on target each. Mali’s best finish was at the 1972 Nations Cup, when they finished second largely due to some stout defending. Focusing on defence over attack might be their best bet for success in this match. Historically, Mali have dominated this fixture, boasting an unbeaten record against the Stallions with seven wins, including their only AFCON meeting in 2004, and one draw in eight encounters.
The Stallions progressed to this stage of the competition after finishing as runners-up to Angola in the group stage, knocking out one of the pre-tournament favourites Algeria in the process. Two of their three group goals came via the experienced Bertrand Traoré, who takes his overall AFCON tournament tally to four goals – the only player with more in the competition for Burkina Faso is Alain Traoré, wh...