Mali secured their position in the round of 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a challenging yet uninspired scoreless match against Comoros in Casablanca.
Both teams struggled to create distinct chances, and it wasn’t until the 42nd minute that either had a shot on goal.
Kamory Doumbia was the nearest to scoring, despite being unaware of the powerful shot from Eagles colleague Nathan Gassama that hit his shin and narrowly deflected past the post 10 minutes after halftime.
El Fardou Ben was replaced and had Comoros’ top opportunity, as his left-footed shot from an angle forced a great one-handed save from Djigui Diarra, while Rafiki Said’s attempt was cleared off the line but was accurately flagged offside later.
Mali’s substitute Amadou Haidara received an incredibly severe red card with just two minutes left in regular time, yet even with a man down, the West Africans easily managed to secure a draw, ending Group A unbeaten with three points. Meanwhile, Comoros‘ two points are insufficient for them to qualify as one of the best third-place teams due to their weaker goal difference.
Outcomes in Group A and Group B on Monday indicate that Benin, Sudan, and Mozambique are all assured progression to the last 16 prior to their final matches.
This deadlock was likely no surprise since the two teams are familiar with each other, having faced off twice in their recent World Cup qualifying rounds.
Mali achieved victories in both matches with a score of 3-0, yet there was no indication that the same result would occur in Casablanca.
Eagles coach Tom Saintfiet implemented four alterations to the lineup that drew with host Morocco previously, including three adjustments in a restructured midfield.
Comoros implemented three alterations after securing their inaugural AFCON clean sheet previously in another scoreless tie with Zambia, notably featuring Faiz Selemani in the number 10 role instead of captain Youssouf M’Changama.
Forward Myziane Maolida, whose goal was annulled by the video assistant referee (VAR) during the match against Zambia, squandered an early opportunity for the Coelacanths, getting his feet entangled at the edge of the penalty box after receiving a clear pass.
Nene Dorgeles was the first to reach the goal, but his shot was stopped by Yannick Pandor after Selemani lost the ball while overdribbling near his area, and two minutes later, Mohamed Camara forced Pandor to make a save with a powerful long-range attempt.
Opportunities for quality were scarce in the second period, making the VAR intervention a highlighted moment of excitement.
Referee Alhadji Allaou Mahamat did not initially perceive any issue with Haidara’s tackle on M’Changama—who had entered the game as Comoros aimed for a victory—but was prompted to reassess his ruling on the pitchside monitor.
As both players lifted their legs, replays clearly indicated Haidara getting the ball before M’Changama, whose follow-through seemed to strike the Lens midfielder’s foot.
However, Mahamat concurred with the VAR that the position of Haidara’s boot and studs posed a threat to his opponent, resulting in a straight red card and a suspension as they moved into the knockout phase.
After expressing criticism towards the officials during the match against Morocco, Saintfiet is probably going to feel wronged again.
Nonetheless, Mali will be optimistic about advancing to the later stages of the 2025 AFCON, particularly since Tottenham’s midfielder and Eagles captain Yves Bissouma has utilized the group stage to regain his match fitness following an injury.
For Comoros, who remained undefeated in the qualifiers, there will not be a repetition of the triumphs that allowed the Indian Ocean islanders to defeat Ghana and reach the second round on their tournament debut in 2022.
