CHAN 2020: Mali Coach Delighted With Team’s Qualification To Quarter-Finals

Mali national team head coach Nouhoum Diane was happy with the performance of his young men after they defeated Zimbabwe to earn a berth in the quarter-finals of African Nations Championship.

Demba Diallo’s 12^th minute goal secured the three points for Mali and qualified the team to the quarter-finals of the tournament.

The result saw the Warriors of Zimbabwe exiting the competition after losing to Cameroon and Burkina Faso in their first two games of Group A.

With the group consisting of four teams, Cameroon has also booked a place in the last eight after playing out to a goalless draw against Burkina Faso.

Speaking to the media after the game coach Diane said he was pleased with his young side which did not have much time to prepare for the contest in Cameroon.

“We had to win this game to qualify for the quarterfinals and it’s done. Now we will prepare regardless of our next opponent. It’s always difficult to play this kind of game against an already eliminated team that can give it their all,” said Diane after the match.

“We created a lot of opportunities that we weren’t able to realize. But I’m happy with my team.”

Mali finished top of the group with seven points with Cameroon coming in second with five points, Burkina Faso third with four points while Zimbabwe ended bottom of the group with no points.