Mali head coach Eric Chelle has discussed the team’s 2-1 victory against Burkina Faso that secured their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast on Tuesday.

An unfortunate own goal by Edmond Tabsoba along with a second-half strike by Lassine Sinayoko were enough for the Eagles to soar over the Stallions at a packed Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. It took just three minutes for Mali to take the lead after a powerful Amadou Haidara header came off the woodwork, but instead of it being cleared away, Tabsoba was unfortunate to see his clearance go into his net.

Returning from the recess, Sinayoko capitalised on a lapse of concentration after beating the offside trap to face the keeper and comfortably slot home with just minutes into the restart. A lifeline was given to the Stallions after Mohamed Konate’s headed effort came off the arm of Boubacar Kouyate for VAR to award the penalty that was converted by skipper, Bertrand Traore in the 57th minute.

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“We need to be humble in our victory and continue with hard work. I am very happy for the players. They deserve the victory because they are a group of hard workers. I think victory was well deserved but the lesson learnt is that 2-0 can be a dangerous score against a determined team,” said Chelle.

On their next fixture against Ivory Coast on Saturday, Chelle said: “I have some friends and former teammates in our next opponent so this will also be an interesting fixture for me. We know that it will be difficult against them, but we will bring our quality and give it our best against them. I want to emphasise the importance of humility in this victory.”