2021 CHAN: Mali, Cameroon Book Semifinal Tickets

  2021 CHAN: Mali, Cameroon Book Semifinal Tickets The Eagles of Mali and the Indomutable Lions of Cameroon on Saturday booked their semifinal tickets at the ongoing 2021 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) in Cameroon. The Eagles of Mali stopped Congo via penalties to storm the semi-final stage at the Total African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2020. After a goalless draw in 120 minutes, Mali were sharper in penalties winning 5-4 on penalties at the Ahmadou Ahidju Stadium in Yaounde. Mali had Mamadou Traore and Mouusa Kyabou miss good scoring opportunities earlier, while Gautrand Ngounimba also came close for the Red Devils of Congo Brazzaville. After 112 minutes Congo’s substitute Yann Mokombo had a good chance when he dribbled past a defender in the box, but his shot was blocked for a corner. But during the penalties Congo’s Prince Mouandzu Mapata placed the first penalty out, while all the Mali players converted. Issaka Samake, Moussa Kyabou, Makan Samabali, Mamadou Doumba and Mamadou Coulibaly all converted penalties for The Eagles of Mali. Congo who also reached the quarter final stage in the 2018 CHAN tournament netted their penalties through Julfin Ondongo, Hardy Binguila, Yann Mokombo and goalkeeper Pavelh Ndzila. It is the first time Mali's team get to the semi-final stage of a CHAN tournament. In 2011 they were eliminated in the group stage before making it to the quarters in 2014 and reached the second round in 2016. In the second quarter final played on Saturday, Cameroon outscored DR Congo to pick the semifinal ticket. DR Congo drew the first blood in the 22nd minute through Makabi Lilepo who scored and silence the already noisy Cameroonian supporters. Cameroon replied immediately in the 29th minute through experienced striker Yannick Ndjeng courtesy of a mistake from the Leopards goalkeeper. Matampi attempted to fist away a long ball in his area but it fell gracefully to Ndjeng who had an easy work of just tapping it in to send the crowd into raptures. With the first half fast approaching Felix Oukine Tcheoude strike in the 42nd minute took a wicked deflection to beat goalkeeper Ley Matampi to put the home side in the lead at half-time. The result means Cameroon will face either Morocco or Zambia in Wednesday’s semi-final at the Limbe Stadium.