Namibia 0-0 Mali: Group leader Mali and Namibia both through after goalless draw

Namibia booked a first ever appearance in the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations by holding a Mali side who topped Group E by virtue of the point.

Match Report

The draw puts Namibia, who came closest to scoring when Prins Tjiueza hit the post, through as one of the group stage's four best third-placed teams.

The Brave Warriors will take on Group D winners Angola in the first knock-out round while Mali face Burkina Faso.

The result kept host nation Ivory Coast sweating over their progression hopes.

The Elephants, who finished third in Group A, are left relying on results in Group F later on Wednesday to determine whether they will qualify or face an embarrassing early exit.

Mali negotiated the group stage unbeaten, with South Africa's 0-0 draw with Tunisia in the group's other final game ensuring the Eagles claimed top spot.

Namibia, meanwhile, survived a late onslaught from the West Africans to emulate fellow minnows Mauritania's achievement of reaching the knock-out stages for the first time.

Their game with Angola will kick off the last 16 on Saturday in Bouake while Mali meet Burkina Faso in Korhogo on Tuesday.

Line-ups

Namibia XI: Deon Hotto, Lloyd Junior Kazapua, Peter Shalulile, Riaan Hanamub, Ivan Kamberipa, Aprocius Petrus, Prins Tjiueza, Lubeni Haukongo, Ngero Katua, Bethuel Muzeu, Kennedy Amutenya

Subs: Denzil Haoseb, Ananias Gebhardt, Petrus Shitembi, Joslin Kamatuka, Edward Maova, Absalom Iimbondi, Charles Hambira, Marcel Papama, Wendell Rudath, Kamaijanda Ndisiro, Uetuuru Kambato

Mali XI: H.Traore, Youssoufou Niakaté, Fousseni Diabaté, Djigui Diarra, Bissouma, Aliou Dieng, Kiki Kouyaté, Sikou Niakaté, Lassine Sinayoko, Moussa Diarra, Dorgeles Nene

Subs: Ismael Diawara, A.Traoré, Ibrahim Sissoko, Diadié Samassékou, Coulibaly, Sacko, Mamadou Fofana, Sekou Koita, Mohamed Camara, Amadou Dante, Aboubacar Doumbia, Kamory Doumbia