The Junior Eagles of Mali have qualified for the final of the 2019 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations taking place in the Niger Republic.
After playing 1-1 in regulation time, the Malians held their nerves to beat Nigeria 4-3 in the ensuing penalty kicks in the nervy semifinal match played Wednesday at the Stade General Seyni Kountche.
The Nigeria U-20 team was seen as the firm favourite going into the semifinal contest having previously won the tournament on seven different occasions.
The Malians are yet to win the competition.
The Flying Eagles won the Group A that had host nation Niger Republic, South Africa and Burundi, finishing with seven points. They defeated Burundi and Niger Republic while drawing with South Africa.
Mali finished second in Group B with six points after victories over Burkina Faso and Ghana and defeat by Senegal.
It was the Malians that scored first in Wednesday’s encounter before the Flying Eagles drew level four minutes from time. The game then extended into extra time and then penalty kicks.