Mali booked their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought but uninspiring goalless draw with Comoros in Casablanca on Monday, December 29.

Both sides struggled to create clear-cut chances, with the match’s first effort on target not arriving until the 42nd minute.

Kamory Doumbia came closest to breaking the deadlock for Mali early in the second half, although the midfielder knew little about it as a fierce strike from Eagles team-mate Nathan Gassama struck his shin and deflected inches wide of the post.

Substitute El Fardou Ben had Comoros’ best opportunity, forcing a fine one-handed save from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra with a left-footed drive from a tight angle. Rafiki Said later saw an effort cleared off the line, but the chance was correctly ruled out for offside following a late flag.

Mali substitute Amadou Haidara was shown a harsh red card with two minutes of normal time remaining. However, even with 10 men, the West Africans held firm to secure the point they needed to finish second in Group A with five points, remaining unbeaten.

Comoros, who end the group stage with two points, miss out on qualification as one of the best third-placed teams due to an inferior goal difference.

Elsewhere, results in Groups A and B on Monday confirmed that Benin, Sudan and Mozambique have all secured places in the last 16 ahead of their final group matches.

Mali’s reward for finishing second behind hosts Morocco is a round-of-16 clash against the runners-up from Group C — Tunisia, Tanzania or Uganda — in Casablanca on Saturday (19:00 GMT).