SOCCER: Mali advance to last 16 after dull 0-0 draw with Comoros

Mali secured their place in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 after playing to a 0-0 draw against Comoros in their Group A clash in Casablanca on Monday. The result eliminates Comoros from the tournament.

Mali finished second in Group A with three points, drawing all three of their matches, just behind group winners Morocco, who topped the pool with seven points.

Comoros ended in third place with two points, but their -2 goal difference meant they fell short of being one of the four best third-place teams that advance to the knockout stage.

In the Round of 16, Mali will face the runner-up from Group C. While the final standings of that group will be confirmed on Tuesday, Tunisia is widely expected to be their next opponent.

Mali will be without midfielder Amadou Haidara for the upcoming match after he received a late red card against Comoros for a dangerous challenge.

The match against Comoros saw limited goal-mouth action, with only three shots on target throughout the game. However, Mali earned the point they needed to secure progression. Midfielder Yves Bissouma came closest in the first half when his goal-bound effort was saved by Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor.

Comoros pushed forward in the second half in search of a win. El Fardou Ben forced a superb stop from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, with his shot heading toward the top corner before being denied.

Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Christian Radnedge/Reuters