Mali booked a quarter-final meeting with hosts Ivory Coast by holding on to beat Burkina Faso at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
An own goal from Edmond Tapsoba gave the Eagles a third-minute lead, and Mali had several chances to add to their advantage before half-time.
Lassine Sinayoko did make it 2-0 early in the second half with a finish through the legs of goalkeeper Herve Koffi, but Bertrand Traore pulled a goal back for the Stallions from the penalty spot just before the hour mark.
Issoufou Dayo thought he had equalised for the Burkinabe in the final minute, but his header from a free-kick was ruled out for offside and Mali saw out eight minutes of added time.
The Eagles have reached the last eight for the first time since 2013, and Eric Chelle’s side will now face the Ivorians on Saturday (17:00 GMT) for a place in the semi-finals.
The closest the Burkinabe came to a leveller before Dayo’s disallowed header was when Mohamed Konate saw an effort saved by Djigui Diarra in the 72nd minute.
Burkina Faso were rated as potential outsiders for the title following their run to the last four in Cameroon two years ago but their performances could not match the levels of those in the 2021 edition of the finals.
Mali, ranked 51st in the world, had also been touted as dark horses and will now face a tricky test against a rejuvenated Ivory Coast after the hosts saw off defending champions Senegal on penalties on Monday.
