In a match that promised equilibrium, Burkina Faso defender Edmond Tapsoba inadvertently gave Mali the lead with an own goal. The initial header struck the post and rebounded off Tapsoba's stationed leg, gifting Mali an early advantage. The first half remained evenly poised, with Mali in control but unable to extend their lead. Burkina Faso also struggled to find an equalizer, both teams missing half-chances to hit the back of the net. The second half commenced positively for Mali, scoring shortly after the restart. Poor defending from Burkina Faso allowed Lassine Sinayoko to net his third tournament goal in the 47th minute. Despite being two goals down, Burkina Faso's head coach Hubert Velud made changes in an attempt to mount a comeback. A VAR-reviewed handball decision awarded Burkina Faso a penalty, converted by Bertrand Traore, breathing life back into the match. Burkina Faso thought they had equalized with Issoufou Dayo's header, but an eagle-eyed second assistant referee from Zambia, Diana Chikotesha, raised her flag for offside, denying Burkina Faso's hopes. Despite Burkina Faso's efforts, Mali managed to hold on, securing a quarterfinal clash against the host, Cote D'Ivoire, in the 2023 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast.