Mali Edge Zimbabwe to Keep CHAN 2016 Quarter-Final Hopes Alive
Mali secured a crucial 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe on Saturday in Group D of the 2016 African Nations Championship, improving on their opening-day 2-2 draw against Uganda. The win keeps the Eagles firmly in contention for a place in the quarter-finals, though the performance left much to be desired.
For coach Djibril Dramé, the result was the priority. “The draw on the first day against Uganda put us against the wall. We had to win. If I’m not mistaken, it’s the first time we’ve beaten Zimbabwe,” he said following the match. “However, I recognize that we didn’t play well.”
Despite the narrow margin, Mali now approach their final group match against Zambia in a strong position to advance. Dramé emphasized the need for improvements ahead of the decisive fixture. “Saying it is not enough. We will now work to correct our mistakes,” he added.
The only goal of the match came late, reflecting a tightly contested battle where Zimbabwe, despite their earlier setbacks, made it difficult for the Eagles to assert control. Mali’s win demonstrates resilience under pressure, with the team prioritizing results over style to keep their tournament hopes alive.
Saturday’s result leaves Mali in a strong position in Group D, with four points from two games. The Eagles will need to build on this performance against a determined Zambian side to secure a quarter-final berth and continue their CHAN 2016 campaign.
Mali’s focus now turns to fine-tuning both defensive stability and attacking efficiency, ensuring they are fully prepared for the final group-stage challenge that could determine their place among the continent’s last eight.
