Mali secured a place in the round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after playing out a 0-0 draw with Comoros on Monday night in Casablanca.
The match was closely contested but lacked clear scoring chances, as both teams struggled to break each other down. It took until the 42nd minute for either side to register a shot on target.
Mali came closest to scoring shortly after the break when a powerful effort from Nathan Gassama struck the shin of Kamory Doumbia and narrowly missed the post.
Comoros also had opportunities to snatch a winner. Substitute El Fardou Ben forced a fine one-handed save from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, while Rafiki Said saw an effort cleared off the line before being ruled offside.
Drama arrived late in the game when Mali substitute Amadou Haidara was shown a straight red card in the 88th minute after a VAR review. Replays suggested he won the ball, but the referee ruled that his challenge was dangerous.
Despite being reduced to ten men, Mali comfortably held on to secure the draw. The result saw them finish Group A unbeaten with three points and advance as group runners-up behind hosts Morocco.
Comoros ended the group stage with two points, which was not enough to qualify as one of the best third-placed teams due to their poor goal difference.
Mali will now face the second-placed team from Group C — Tunisia, Tanzania or Uganda — in their round-of-16 clash in Casablanca on Saturday evening.
Although Mali were not at their best in the group stage, the return to fitness of captain Yves Bissouma gives them confidence heading into the knockout rounds.
For Comoros, the tournament ends in disappointment, as they were unable to repeat the success of their AFCON debut in 2022 when they reached the last 16.
