Korhogo’s Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium will close off its Africa Cup of Nations hosting with a blockbuster fixture pitting Mali against the Stallions of Burkina Faso on Tuesday.
Separated by a mere 650km distance, the meeting between the two neighbours promises to produce fireworks, with both sides yearning for continental glory having both fallen short on two separate occasions.
Having come agonisingly close to lifting the title in 2013, the Stallions, who finished second behind Angola in Group D will be looking at going all their way despite them having a jittery start to the tournament.
Their journey to the round of 16 was not the easiest after having to sweat for a victory over Mauritania whom they edged 1-0 in their opener before a 2-2 stand-off between them and Algeria in their second fixture.
Their final group match saw them outclassed by Angola in a 2-0 defeat which was fortunately not too detrimental for their campaign as their four points were enough to see them advance.
Mali on the other hand lived up to the high expectations placed on them in Group E after a strong opening against South Africa.
The Eagles soared over Bafana Bafana by 2-0 in their opening clash but seemed to have let the foot off the pedal in their last two group matches after playing out to a 1-1 draw with Tunisia before the Brave Warriors of Namibia held them to a goalless draw.
A lot will be expected of the Eagles’ ace, Yves Bissouma who is yet to stamp his authority in the competition, while the Stallions’ Bertrand Traore will be entrusted with being a key figure for his side
