Mali stage comeback to eliminate Benin and reach third round of Olympic qualifiers

Mali’s women’s national team staged a spectacular comeback against the Amazons.

Having lost 3–1 in the first leg, the Malian women turned the tables on Tuesday 13 October with a resounding 6–2 victory in the return leg. Mali responded with character and determination.

Determined to continue their journey in these Olympic qualifiers, the Malian women put in a convincing performance to overturn the deficit and get the better of Benin’s Amazons.

With this spectacular 6–2 victory, Mali turned the tide over the two-legged tie and secured their place in the third round. This victory means the Malian team have qualified for the third round of the 2028 Olympic qualifiers.

For Benin’s Amazons, this elimination in the second round is a bitter disappointment. Having won the first leg by a two-goal margin, they failed to hold onto their lead in the return leg and see their campaign come to an end at this stage of the qualifiers.