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Mali secured qualification for the knockout stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after playing out a goalless draw with Comoros in their final Group A match in Casablanca on Monday.
The encounter was largely uneventful, with both sides struggling to create clear-cut chances. It took until the 42nd minute for either team to register a shot on target, reflecting the cagey nature of the contest.
Mali came closest to breaking the deadlock shortly after the interval when a powerful strike from Nathan Gassama deflected off the shin of team-mate Kamory Doumbia and narrowly missed the target. Comoros also had opportunities, with substitute El Fardou Ben forcing a fine one-handed save from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, while Rafiki Said saw an effort cleared off the line before being ruled offside.
The Eagles were reduced to 10 men late in the game after substitute Amadou Haidara was shown a red card in the 88th minute in a decision widely considered harsh. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Mali comfortably held on to secure the point they needed.
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The draw saw Mali finish second in Group A behind hosts Morocco with three points, remaining unbeaten in the group. Comoros ended the group with two points, a tally insufficient to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams due to their inferior goal difference.
Elsewhere, results in Groups A and B confirmed Benin, Sudan and Mozambique as qualifiers for the last 16 ahead of their final group matches.
Mali will now face the runners-up from Group C—Tunisia, Tanzania or Uganda—in the round of 16, with the tie scheduled to take place in Casablanca on Saturday at 19:00 GMT.