U23 AFCON: Mali Captain Boubacar Traore Shows Great Sportsmanship After Eliminating Niger, Video

• Mali became the fourth and final team to qualify for the semifinal of the ongoing U23 AFCON
• The Eagles edged Niger 2-0 in their final group game to qualify alongside Egypt from Group B
• Up next for the West Africans is a battle with Morocco for a spot in the final

Mali captain Boubacar Traore demonstrated exceptional sportsmanship by consoling a disheartened Nigerien player after his side beat their fellow West African counterparts to reach the last four of the ongoing U23 Africa Cup of Nations.

Traore's Mali emerged victorious in their do-or-die last group encounter with Niger on Saturday, July 1. Two goals in the second half from Mamadou Sangare and Cheickna Doumbia helped the West Africans seal a spot in the semifinals of the competition.

While the result brought joy to Mali, it was tears and agony for Niger, who missed out on a chance to qualify for the Olympic Games in Paris next year, according to beinSPORTS.

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Niger, who needed to avoid defeat to reach the last four, ultimately fell short against a formidable Malian side. The heartbreaking outcome left the entire team devastated, as they had hoped for a different result.

In a video sighted by Sports Brief, one of Niger's visibly heartbroken players could not hold back his tears as a combination of Boubacar Traore and one of his teammates had to console their opponent.

Here is the video:

What's next for Mali?

Mali will look to secure a ticket for the Olympic Games for the first time since Athens 2004 when they cross swords with host nation Morocco in the first semi-final tie on Tuesday, July 4, MWN reports.

The West Africans finished second behind defending champions Egypt with six points in Group B.

Should Badara Alou Diallo's charges suffer defeat against the young Atlas Lions, they will still have an opportunity to reach the Olympics via the third-placed playoff slot.

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Ghana crash out of U23 AFCON

Sports Brief also reported that Ghana have been dumped out of the Africa U23 Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw against Guinea in their final group game.

Emmanuel Yeboah's goal in the first half was insufficient, as Ibrahim Fofana netted a stunning volley to send Guinea to the semi-finals.

Following a sluggish start from both sides, the Guineans came close after Ousmane Camara's goal-bound shot was stopped by his teammate on the line.