Mali Are Zone II Champions

Mali has won the Amilcar Cabral Zone II title for the third time after defeating Cape Verde 2-1 in a replay final on Monday.

The Malians who proved to have a solid side only lost once during the competition at group stages when they were beaten 1-0 by Cape Verde. They made it to the final after beating Senegal 2-1 in the semi finals. Cape Verde defeated hosts Guinea Bissau 3-2 on penalties after both sides drew 1-1. Third place was won by Senegal who beat Bissau 2-1. Senegal has won the highest number of the tournament so far, they have won the championship eight times and lost five times after making it to the finals. Guinea won it five times, Mali now have three titles and Cape Verde have won it once.

The Gambia, Guinea Bissau and Mauritania have never had the chance to lift the title. Both Bissau and Mauritania were only fortunate enough to appear in the final of this tournament once while The Gambia has made three appearances.

Mauritania will host the 2009 Zone II championship in Nouakchott.