Yves Bissouma helped Mali through to the knockout stages of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday evening as a 0-0 draw with Namibia was enough to see them win Group E.
Starting and playing the full 90 minutes – the first time he has done so since November – in San Pedro, Ivory Coast, Yves’ side dominated the encounter but, come full time, there was nothing to split the two sides.
Numerous chances fell the way of Mali, 10 attempts in total but just two of them were on target. The best opportunity fell the way of Namibia – who also progressed by virtue of being one of the four best third-place finishers – as they forced Mali stopper Djigui Diarra into a superb double save on 15 minutes.
That was Yves’ 37th cap for his nation. They will now face Burkina Faso in the round of 16 on Tuesday 30 January (kick-off 5pm UK).
In topping the group, Mali’s pathway to the final now means that, if they progress past Burkina Faso, and Pape Matar Sarr’s Senegal also win their round of 16 tie, Yves’ Mali and Pape’s Senegal will face each other in the quarter-finals on Saturday 3 February.
