DOUALA, Cameroon (Reuters) – Left again Massadio Haidara’s early aim set Mali on their means to a snug 2-0 victory over Mauritania on Thursday and top spot in Africa Cup of Nations Group F.
Haidara scored the quickest aim of the match as he netted after 92 seconds, earlier than Mali added a second by way of the penalty spot by striker Ibrahima Kone, who scored for the third sport in a row.
Mali completed the group stage with seven factors, forward of second-placed Gambia on aim distinction. They have been joined within the second spherical by Tunisia after the north Africans completed as the most effective third-placed sides.
Mali meet Equatorial Guinea within the second spherical in Limbe on Wednesday. They are looking for a primary Cup of Nations trophy win having completed runners-up the final time the match was performed in Cameroon in 1972.
Mauritania supplied little in assault and even when trailing by two objectives appeared hesitant to come ahead.
They allowed Mali to play in first gear for a lot of the match and whereas it was definitely not a classic efficiency from Mohamed Magassouba’s aspect, he will likely be happy with their effectivity.
They settled their nerves early on when Moussa Doumbia’s cross from the best discovered an unmarked Massadio Haidara on the again publish and he steered the ball past Mauritania goalkeeper Babacar Diop.
Diop made a sensible save from close-range to deny Kone as Mali stored on the strain with out reward, and it took till shortly after halftime for them to get their second.
They have been awarded a penalty when Doumbia was upended within the field by Mauritania substitute Souleymane Karamoko.
Kone transformed a strong spot-kick for his third aim of the match, all of them penalties.
(Reporting by Nick Said, modifying by Ed Osmond)
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