AFCON: Mali Reaches Last 16 After Comoros Draw

Mali secured a place in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16, after playing out a 0–0 draw with Comoros in their Group A clash in Casablanca on Monday, a result that confirmed qualification for the Malians while ending Comoros’ tournament.

The match itself offered few clear-cut chances, with only three shots on target throughout. Mali created the best opportunity of the first half when Yves Bissouma saw his goal-bound effort saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros were forced to push forward after the break in search of the win they needed, and El Fardou Ben came close with a powerful effort that was brilliantly turned away by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, preserving the draw that sent Mali through.

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The stalemate saw Mali finish second in Group A with three points, having drawn all three of their matches. They ended the group stage behind hosts Morocco, who topped the group with seven points.

Comoros finished third with two points, but a minus-two goal difference meant they failed to make the cut as one of the four best third-placed teams to progress to the knockout stage.

Mali will face the runner-up in Group C in the next round, with their opponents to be confirmed after the conclusion of that group on Tuesday, though Tunisia are widely expected to finish second.

However, Mali will be without Amadou Haidara for the round-of-16 encounter after the midfielder was shown a late red card for a dangerous challenge against Comoros.