INSIDE AFCON 2019: Mali Advance to Last 16 After Angola Victory

Mali advanced to the last 16 of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations as Group E winners after beating Angola 1-0 in Ismailia.

Amadou Haidara scored the game’s only goal, finding the net with a fierce drive from outside the area.

Angola, who finish third in Group E, miss out on a place in the knockout stages.

Mali made eight changes to the side that drew 1-1 with Tunisia on Friday and they rode their luck early on, Gelson shooting straight at goalkeeper Djigui Diarra before Mateus dragged another effort wide of the near post.

A draw would have been enough for Angola to advance, but they fell behind when Haidara fired an unstoppable shot past Tony Cabaca eight minutes before half-time.

Second-half substitute Moussa Marega missed the chance to double Mali’s lead late on, blazing over the crossbar from an acute angle.

Tunisia join Mali in the last 16 after drawing 0-0 with Mauritania in Suez.

Mohamed Magassouba’s side will face Group D runners-up Ivory Coast in the last 16 on Monday.