Ange Martial Tia gives Mali narrow win over Liberia in Africa Cup of Nations qualifying

Ange Martial Tia scored in the 79th minute as Mali beat Liberia 1-0 in Match Round 2 of Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

Liberia

• Sampson Kargeoh Dweh Jr. (7)
• Mohammed Sangare (6.38)
• Emmanuel Favor Fully (6.96)
• Oscar Murphy Dorley (6.11)
• Nohan Kenneh (5.48)
• Salomon Medaase Tweh (7.13)
• Franklin Daliba Nyenetue (6.61)
• Sylvanus Nimely (6.39)
• Ayouba Kosiah (6.05)

Mali

• Djigui Diarra (6.99)
• Hamari Traoré (6.87)
• Ousmane Camara (6.56)
• Nathan Gassama (7.39)
• Daouda Guindo (6.75)
• Mamadou Sangaré (7.2)
• Aliou Dieng (7.14)
• Ange Martial Tia (7.77)
• Kamory Doumbia (7.57)
• Nene Dorgeles (6.67)
• Lassine Sinayoko (6.16)

Substitutions:

Liberia

• Sylvanus Nimely (Peter Wilson, 64)
• Franklin Daliba Nyenetue (Divine Roosevelt Teah, 83)
• Nohan Kenneh
• Ayouba Kosiah

Mali

• Ange Martial Tia (Sékou Koïta, 82)
• Kamory Doumbia (Lassana Coulibaly, 82)
• Nene Dorgeles (Gaoussou Kyassou Diarra, 83)
• Lassine Sinayoko (Modibo Sagnan, 89)
• Mamadou Sangaré (Ousmane Diakité, 90)

Ball possession:

The decisive moment came late in a closely contested game, with Tia finding the breakthrough to give Mali three valuable points and leave Liberia frustrated after a disciplined defensive effort.

Passes:

Mali carried the greater attacking threat, recording nine shots on target compared with Liberia’s three. Lassine Sinayoko was the visitors’ most prolific player, while Liberia’s Oscar Murphy Dorley led his side for attempts.

Defense:

The match data records 22 total shots for Liberia and 43 for Mali, underlining the visitors’ greater attacking ambition. Mali also held the advantage in the possession figures supplied, with 498 compared with Liberia’s 287.

Face-to-face:

Liberia were unable to turn their pressure into an equaliser after Tia’s goal, and Mali’s defence held firm during the closing stages to secure a clean sheet.

Fouls:

• Yellow cards:
• Mohammed Sangare (Liberia) at 22 minute
• Ousmane Camara (Mali) at 75 minute

The last five games (including this match):

• Liberia – L
• Mali – W

Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations – Qualification scorers:

1. None (6, Mauritius)
2. E. Colley (3, Gambia)
3. Hazem Mastouri (2, Tunisia)
4. Chamito (2, Mozambique)
5. Franculino Djú (2, Guinea-Bissau)

Line-ups:

Next games:

• Liberia will play with Cape Verde Islands. November 11 at 17:00 (GMT), on None.
• Mali will play with Rwanda. November 11 at 17:00 (GMT), on None.