Afcon 2021: Keeper Owono the hero as Equatorial Guinea shock Mali on penalties

Goalkeeper Jesus Owono was Equatorial Guinea's hero as they shocked Mali in a penalty shoot-out to reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Owono, 20, saved twice in the shootout to help them go through 6-5 on spot-kicks after a 0-0 draw.

Initially, the referee indicated the decisive save from Falaye Sacko's effort needed to be retaken, but a VAR check showed Owono's foot was still on the line.

Equatorial Guinea play Senegal next.

In open play Mali, 61 places higher in the global rankings than their opponents, had the better chances but were frustrated by another excellent Equatorial Guinea performance.

A high tempo but untidy first half saw Mali's Amadou Haidara have the best chance when just after the half hour mark the RB Leipzig star — who has been linked with a move to the Premier League — was only able to scuff a weak shot from close range.

With 5 minutes to go to the break, the Eagles were awarded a penalty when Mali's Moussa Doumbia clashed with Equatorial Guinea's Josete Miranda.

But referee Bakary Gassama reversed his decision when he viewed the incident on the screen next to the pitch.

Mali improved further in the second period and the best chance of the game fell to Salzburg's Mohamed Camara in the 56th minute.

After great work from Brighton star Yves Bissouma on the right, Camara was screaming for the ball — and received it in prime position.

But he could only fire over the bar from close to the penalty spot.

Substitute Moussa Djenepo also came close to putting the Eagles in front, with 20 minutes to go, but his strong shot was deflected just wide.

Equatorial Guinea, who inflicted a first defeat in 36 games on former Champions Algeria in the group stage, rarely threated at the other end.

But former