Mali secured their spot in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a hard-fought 0-0 draw with Comoros in Casablanca. Despite a match lacking in clear-cut chances, the West African side finished Group A unbeaten with three points, while Comoros’ two points were not enough to progress as one of the best third-placed teams due to an inferior goal difference.
Match Summary: Few Chances, VAR Drama
Both teams struggled to create meaningful scoring opportunities, with the first shot on target arriving as late as the 42nd minute. Kamory Doumbia came closest to breaking the deadlock in the second half, when a fierce effort from teammate Nathan Gassama deflected off Doumbia’s shin and narrowly missed the target.
For Comoros, substitute El Fardou Ben tested Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra with a left-footed drive that was expertly saved, while Rafiki Said had a potential goal cleared off the line and later ruled offside. Striker Myziane Maolida also squandered an early chance after being sent through on goal, highlighting the rarity of clear scoring opportunities.
The game’s most dramatic moment came late when Mali substitute Amadou Haidara received a straight red card with just two minutes remaining. Referee Alhadji Allaou Mahamat initially allowed play to continue, but a pitchside VAR review deemed Haidara’s studs-up challenge on Youssouf M’Changama dangerous, leading to his dismissal and a suspension heading into the knockout stage.
Team News and Tactical Notes
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet made four changes from the side that held hosts Morocco to a draw, including three adjustments in midfield. Comoros also rotated three players following their first-ever clean sheet at AFCON against Zambia, with Faiz Selemani starting in a number 10 role ahead of captain M’Changama.
Despite Comoros going unbeaten in qualifying, the Indian Ocean islanders struggled to repeat their tournament heroics from 2022, when they famously eliminated Ghana to reach the knockout stage on their debut.
Mali, however, can take confidence from the performances of key players like Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, who is regaining match fitness after injury. The Eagles will now face the runners-up from Group C—Tunisia, Tanzania, or Uganda—in Casablanca on Saturday at 19:00 GMT.
Implications and Knockout Stage Outlook
With this draw, Mali cemented second place in Group A, finishing behind hosts Morocco. Comoros exit the tournament with pride but no progression to the last 16. Meanwhile, Benin, Sudan, and Mozambique are all guaranteed to advance to the knockout stage in their respective groups, setting up a competitive last-16 lineup.
The intervention of VAR once again highlighted the growing impact of technology in AFCON, with Haidara’s red card underlining how critical every challenge and contact can be in tightly contested games. Mali will aim to carry their group-stage momentum into the knockout phase, while Comoros will reflect on missed opportunities and look toward future tournaments.
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