Mali secured a fourth consecutive appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON knockout stages after playing out a 0-0 draw with Comoros in Casablanca, a result that was enough to send the Eagles through as Group A runners-up, Softfootball reports.
Having earlier held Morocco to a hard-fought 1-1 draw , Mali entered this decisive clash knowing another disciplined display would likely be sufficient for qualification. They were almost caught out early on, though, when Faz Selemanis inswinging corner threatened to creep straight into the net, only for Djigui Diarra to react sharply and push the ball clear.
That moment aside, Mali largely controlled the first half. Yannick Pandor was kept busy in the Comoros goal, first denying Malis record goalscorer Kamory Doumbia, before pre-match doubt Yves Bissouma tested the keeper with a powerful effort from distance. Dorgeles Nene followed suit with a long-range strike that stung Pandors palms, underlining Malis growing authority.
