By Our Man in Casablanca
MALI booked their place in the AFCON knockout stages last night after a gritty, goalless war of attrition against Comoros in the legendary Stade Mohammed V.
While the scoreline failed to set the world alight, the atmosphere inside Casablanca’s “Donor” stadium was anything but dull. The iconic 45,000-seater venue, a cathedral of Moroccan football, provided a thunderous backdrop for a Group A finale that was high on tension but low on clinical finishing.
The Malians knew a point would be enough to see them through, and they played with the tactical discipline of a side that didn’t want to get caught out in the Casablanca heat. Despite dominating 70% of the ball, the “Eagles” found the Comorian wall—and goalkeeper Yannick Pandor—in inspired form.
Casablanca Fortress
The Stade Mohammed V, home to local giants Raja and Wydad, has seen some legendary battles over the decades, and Comoros fought like lions to add their name to that history. Pandor produced a string of world-class saves, most notably fingertipping a goal-bound effort from Tottenham’s Yves Bissouma around the post to keep the dream alive.
But as the clock ticked down under the bright lights of the newly-renovated stadium, the “Coelacanths” simply couldn’t find the miracle goal they needed to stay in the tournament. El Fardou Ben came closest in the second half, his stinging effort forcing Djigui Diarra into a desperate save that drew gasps from the Moroccan crowd.
The only real blot on the night for Mali came late on when Amadou Haidara saw red for a reckless challenge. It was a moment of madness that threatened to spoil the party, but the Malian defense held firm through five minutes of frantic injury time.
Mali finished second in Group A behind hosts Morocco, securing their fourth consecutive trip to the Round of 16. For Comoros, it was a case of “what if” as they finished third with two points—not quite enough to bag a spot as one of the best third-placed teams.
As the final whistle blew, the Malian fans erupted in the stands of the Mohammed V, celebrating a job done, while Comoros players slumped to the hallowed turf, their AFCON journey ended in the city of Casablanca.
