Mali’s hopes of closing in on Group I leaders Ghana in the race for a 2026 FIFA World Cup berth suffered a setback as they were held to a 0-0 draw by the Central African Republic on Monday.
The encounter at Stade Larbi Zaouli marked only the second meeting between the two sides, following their 1-1 draw in the 2023 World Cup qualifiers.
Despite both teams’ efforts, neither could find a breakthrough in their latest clash.
The match saw its first notable moment in the 12th minute when Central African Republic’s Gabriel Oualengbe received a yellow card for a foul near the box, tripping Mali’s Basse-Zokana.
Eight minutes later, Mali had their first real opportunity when Cheick Konaté found himself in a promising position on the right flank.
However, his left-footed strike lacked the necessary power, allowing goalkeeper Geoffrey Lembet to make a crucial save.
Mali squandered another golden chance just before halftime. Lassana Coulibaly’s cross was initially dealt with by Lembet, but the rebound fell perfectly to Nene Dorgeles.
With the goal at his mercy, Dorgeles shockingly sent his effort over the bar, leaving the scoreline unchanged at the break.
The West Africans continued to push forward after the restart, but their dominance failed to yield goals. In the 54th minute, Dorgeles attempted a low shot from the left side of the box, but it posed no real threat to Lembet.
Three minutes later, Konaté came agonizingly close, his curling effort beating the keeper but striking the left post before rolling out for a goal kick.
Central African Republic, who had been largely defensive, nearly stunned their opponents in the 69th minute.
Louis Mafouta spotted an opening and unleashed a shot from distance, but it sailed over the bar, with Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra closely monitoring the attempt.
Coach Eloge Enza Yamissi made the first tactical changes in the 70th minute, introducing Bertillo Yangana-Ba-Komi for Oualengbe and Wesley Ngakoutou for Kenny Beyissa.
Mali boss Tom Saintfiet responded with a substitution of his own, replacing Coulibaly with Mamadou Sangaré.
In the final moments, Central African Republic’s Léonce Namgbema was booked for refusing to leave the field on a stretcher after receiving treatment.
With this result, Mali remain in third place with nine points, while the Central African Republic sit in fifth with five points.
Ghana’s Black Stars stayed top with 12 points and had the chance to extend their lead to 15 if they defeated Madagascar later on Monday at the Al Hoceima Grand Stadium.
