Mali claim the point they need to finish second in Group A at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, while Comoros go out.
CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Comoros 0 - 0 Mali FT
Mali booked their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a lacklustre goalless encounter with Comoros in Casablanca.
Both teams found it hard to carve out clear openings and it took until the 42nd minute before either managed a shot on target.
Kamory Doumbia came closest to breaking the deadlock, although he knew little about the fierce shot from Eagles team-mate Nathan Gassama that struck his shin and deflected a hair's breadth past the post 10 minutes into the second half.
Substitute El Fardou Ben had Comoros' best chance, seeing a left-footed drive from an angle bring a fine one-handed save from Djigui Diarra, while Rafiki Said had an effort cleared off the line which was then correctly ruled offside by a late flag.
Mali's Gaoussou Haidara was the recipient of an extremely harsh red card with two minutes of regular time to play, but even with 10 men the West Africans had no problem holding on for a draw to finish Group A unbeaten with three points, while Comoros' two points will not be enough to see them finish as one of the best third-place sides because of their inferior goal difference.
Mali's reward is a tie against the runners-up from Group C - Tunisia, Tanzania or Uganda - in Casablanca on Saturday (19:00 GMT).
Category: General Sports
