It wasn’t easy to watch, it wasn’t easy to play. It wasn’t a good game. There weren’t many chances. There were just two shots on target all night. There weren’t goals except those in the penalty shoot-out. It was a terrible way to spend the night. Unless you’re an Equatorial Guinea fan!After a pretty uneventful 120 minutes, it all came down to the penalties. And it the shootout, it started poorly for Equatorial Guinea as their captain Emilio Nsue skied his penalty. But then it was all turned around with two successive Malian misses – by Massadio Haidara and skipper Hamari Traore. Pablo Ganet had a chance to win it – but he failed. The drama continued until goalkeeper Jesus Owono stopped Falaye Sacko’s kick and put Equatorial Guinea through to keep them in dreamland.Equatorial Guinea is one of the tournaments surprise packages. But their two wins in the group stage were no flukes. One of the smallest countries to take part in this edition of the AFCON is very hard to break down – and they proved that their again when faced with favourites Mali. In a match that was largely one-sided, a combination of tough defending and Mali’s terrible finishing was a recipe for a nerve-racking match.Brave minnows surprised a few people again with some impressive close control and guarding of the ball – on a few occasions they actually got the ball.Reims’ striker Moussa Doumbia was brought down as he was darting towards the goal when Equatorial Guinea defender Josete Miranda brought him down. The Gambian ref Bakary Papa Gassama didn’t hesitate in pointing to the spot, but he changed his decision after taking a look at the incident on the screen. Mali were on top for most of the game but were left empty-handed (©AFP)The match was in desperate need of a spark, and Brighton midfielder Yves Bissouma provided it with a lovely touch and turn on the right-hand side of the box. He looked up and laid the ball off perfectly for Mohamed Camara to fire from around the penalty spot, but his shot was horribly high over the crossbar. That was by far the best chance of the match.The remaining 30 or so minutes of regulation time saw numerous illegal tackles, persistent fouling and a few attempts of Equatorial Guinea of sneaking an unlikely goal – but the end of 90 minutes came before we’ve got to see a goal. Another game and another goalless affair that went to extra time.The additional 30 minutes were dedicated to waiting. Waiting for the penalties. No team came even close to scoring. Perhaps they weren’t even informed that you’re allowed to attack and shoot. Oh well, to the shoot-out it went.And there… Senegal got their next opponents on the road to glory. It’s the brave National Thunder!AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS – LAST 16TuesdaySenegal – Cape Verde 2-0 (0-0)/Mane 63, Dieng 90+2/Morocco – Malawi 2-1 (1-1)/En-Nesyri 45-2, Hakimi 70 – Mhango 7/WednesdayIvory Coast – Egypt 0-0Egypt win on penalties.Mali – Equatorial Guinea 0-0Equatorial Guinea win 6-5 on penalties.
