With the sides locked at 0-0 and with just two minutes remaining, Bissouma coolly slotted home to secure a dramatic win for Mali, which set up a meeting with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Sunday’s (February 7) showpiece contest.

Ivory Coast will take on Guinea in the third place play-off on the same day.

The Ivorians started the better of the two sides and were unfortunate not to break the deadlock early on as Essis Aka’s effort cannoned back off the post after nine minutes.

Mali recovered from a sluggish opening and had a decent chance to go in front shortly before the half-hour mark as Sekou Koita forced an excellent stop from Ivory Coast goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare.

They then had an even better opportunity to edge ahead four minutes later as they were awarded a penalty after Cheikh Ibrahim Comara was adjudged to have handled inside the area.

The spot-kick responsibility was handed to Mamadou Coulibaly but the midfielder couldn’t convert as Sangare, who was in superb form throughout the first half, was equal to his strike.

The Mali side were much more adventurous than their opponents as they dominated possession and constantly displayed attacking intent but they couldn’t quite find a way through the rock-solid Ivorian defence.

Another substitute, Nguessan Kouame, spurned a golden chance to give Mali the lead 13 minutes into the second half and they were made to wait until two minutes from time to seal their passage to the African Nations Championship final.

Sekou Diarra’s pinpoint cross found the head of Hamidou Sinayoko, who headed into the path of Bissouma and the substitute did the rest, sparking wild scenes of celebration from the Mali players and coaching staff.

Mali’s victory was slightly tainted by a booking given to Sekou Diarra, who will now miss the final through suspension.

Democratic Republic of Congo will be without defender Padou Bompunga in the final after he was booked just before half-time of their semi-final triumph over Guinea, giving him a suspension for two yellow cards in consecutive matches.

The tournament, now in its fourth edition, differs from the more elite Africa Cup of Nations, as only players who represent clubs on the continent are allowed to take part.