Mali secured a fourth consecutive appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) knockout stages after playing out a 0-0 draw with Comoros in Casablanca, a result that was enough to send the Eagles through as Group A runners-up, Softfootball reports.
Having earlier held Morocco to a hard-fought 1-1 draw, Mali entered this decisive clash knowing another disciplined display would likely be sufficient for qualification. They were almost caught out early on, though, when Faïz Selemani’s inswinging corner threatened to creep straight into the net, only for Djigui Diarra to react sharply and push the ball clear.
That moment aside, Mali largely controlled the first half. Yannick Pandor was kept busy in the Comoros goal, first denying Mali’s record goalscorer Kamory Doumbia, before pre-match doubt Yves Bissouma tested the keeper with a powerful effort from distance. Dorgeles Nene followed suit with a long-range strike that stung Pandor’s palms, underlining Mali’s growing authority.
The pressure continued after the break as Nathan Gassama fired a dangerous ball across the face of goal, with Doumbia stretching to divert it goalwards, only to see it flash narrowly wide. Comoros’ defence increasingly lived on the edge as their goalmouth came under sustained threat.
Knowing that a single goal which would have been their first of the tournament could potentially send them through, Comoros began to show more ambition as the match wore on. Substitute El Fardou Ben finally forced Mali into action at the other end, producing Comoros’ first shot on target and obliging Diarra to palm over from close range.
The complexion of the game shifted late on when Mali were reduced to 10 men, as Amadou Haidara was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Youssouf M’Changama. Despite the numerical advantage, Comoros were unable to find the decisive breakthrough and had to settle for third place in the group.
After the game, Caf via its official X handle, in a post shared that Mali’s Mamadou Sangare has been named the man of the match. They posted
A solid performance from Mamadou Sangaré earns him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
With just two points from their three matches following a 2-1 defeat to Morocco and a 0-0 draw with Zambia, Comoros’ AFCON campaign is likely over, especially after Zambia were also eliminated following their heavy 3-0 loss to Morocco today. Mali, meanwhile, progress safely into the knockouts in second place and extend an impressive run that has now seen them lose just once in their last eight AFCON matches.
