Mali booked their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a lacklustre goalless encounter with Comoros in Casablanca.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations
0-0
Match Report
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).
Line-ups
Comoros XI: Benjaloud Youssouf, Faïz Selemani, Akim Abdallah, Maolida, Yacine Bourhane, Youssouf, Ahmed Soilihi, Yannick Pandor, Rafiki Saïd, Yannis Kari, Kenan Toibibou
Subs: Ben Nabouhane, Youssouf M'Changama, Saïd Bakari, Salim Ben Boina, Raouf Mroivili, Kassim M'Dahoma, Rémy Vita, Ismaël Boura, Iyad Mohamed, Aymeric Ahmed, Zaïd Amir, Adel Anzimati-Aboudou, Idris Mohamed, Rayan Lutin, Aboubacar Ali
Mali XI: Djigui Diarra, Bissouma, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mohamed Camara, Lassine Sinayoko, Fodé Doucouré, Ousmane Camara, Mamadou Sangaré, Dorgeles Nene, Nathan Gassama, Kamory Doumbia
Subs: Mamadou Samassa, H.Traore, Ismael Diawara, Coulibaly, Ibrahima Sissoko, Mamadou Fofana, Haidara, Sikou Niakaté, Amadou Dante, El Bilal Touré, Mamadou Camara, Mahamadou Doumbia, Mamadou Doumbia, Gaoussou Diakité, Gaoussou Diarra