Mali’s Aigles Dames overturned a two-goal first-leg deficit to beat Benin’s Amazones 6-2 and reach the third round of the African qualifiers for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic women’s football tournament.

Having lost the first meeting 3-1, Mali produced a decisive response at the Stade Mamadou-Konate in Bamako on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. Their 7-5 aggregate victory sets up a third-round tie against Senegal.

Mali began their comeback in the 26th minute when Fatoumata Diarra found the net. Sarantou Traore then struck in first-half added time, restoring parity on aggregate and giving the hosts renewed momentum.

Agueissa Diarra extended Mali’s lead nine minutes after the restart, making it 3-0 on the night in the 56th minute. Benin, however, appeared to have regained control of the tie when Romaine Gandonou scored twice in the space of eight minutes.

Gandonou’s goals in the 67th and 75th minutes put the Amazones ahead on aggregate and left Mali needing another response to avoid elimination.

The hosts delivered a late surge. Aissata Traore restored Mali’s advantage in the 79th minute before Oumou Kone added a fifth two minutes later.

Agueissa Diarra completed the scoring from the penalty spot in the 86th minute, securing a 6-2 win and completing Mali’s dramatic turnaround.

Mali will now face Senegal in the third round after the Senegalese side progressed against Tunisia.

The Aigles Dames remain in contention for one of Africa’s two qualifying places at the women’s football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.