Mali secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Liberia in Monrovia on Tuesday to make it two wins from two in Group K of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Ange Martial Tia scored the only goal at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex, giving Anthony da Silva’s side an important result against the Lone Stars.
The win leaves Mali top of the group with six points and a goal difference of +3. They are level with Rwanda, who also have six points and a +3 goal difference.
Former Mali international and AS Monaco player Djibril Sidibe reviewed the match, in which the Eagles controlled much of the contest. Mali held 63% possession compared with Liberia’s 37%, underlining their dominance despite the slender margin of victory.
Tia and Doumbia among Mali’s leading performers
Tia was decisive for Mali once again, having also impressed against Cape Verde. His goal against Liberia ensured the Eagles collected all three points in the second round of qualifying.
He was awarded a rating of 7.5 out of 10. Kamory Doumbia, who provided the assist for the winning goal, received 7.8.
The highest rating of the match went to centre-back Nathan Gassama, who was given 8.4 out of 10. Gassama was among the players singled out for his performance, alongside Doumbia, Tia, Camara and Dieng.
Mali’s control of possession was not converted into a wider scoreline, but the result maintained their position at the top of Group K and preserved their perfect record after two matches.
Sinayoko still waiting for first qualifying goal
Lassine Sinayoko, who was outstanding at the last Africa Cup of Nations, is still without a goal after the opening two qualifying matches.
The forward struggled to make a significant impact against Liberia and was described as almost anonymous for long periods, although he did create some opportunities.
Nene Dorgeles was also included among the players who failed to reach the level of the team’s best performers. He received a rating of 6.4 out of 10.
Despite those individual shortcomings, Mali held on for a narrow victory and remain level on points and goal difference with Rwanda at the top of the group.
