Mali edge Liberia to remain top of Africa Cup of Nations qualifying Group K

Mali secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Liberia on Tuesday to maintain their perfect start to the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The Aigles defeated the Lone Stars at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia in the second round of Group K. The result leaves Anthony da Silva’s side top of the table with six points and a goal difference of plus three.

Mali are level with Rwanda, who also have six points and a plus-three goal difference.

The visitors controlled much of the contest and finished with 63% possession, compared with Liberia’s 37%. Their greater share of the ball was ultimately rewarded by Ange Martial Tia’s goal, which proved decisive.

Former Mali international and AS Monaco player Djibril Sidibe assessed the match in an exclusive interview with Africafoot, highlighting the players who made the biggest impact as well as those who struggled to influence the game.

Tia decisive again for Mali

Tia was influential for the second successive match, having also played a decisive role against Cape Verde. This time, he scored the only goal of the game to give the Aigles all three points.

He received a rating of 7.5 out of 10 for his performance.

Kamory Doumbia was also among Mali’s leading performers after providing the assist for Tia’s goal. He was awarded a mark of 7.8.

The highest rating of the match went to central defender Nathan Gassama, who received 8.4 out of 10.

Mali’s victory was built on their control of possession and their ability to limit Liberia to a single-goal deficit despite the Lone Stars playing at home. The result keeps the Aigles firmly in contention for qualification after two matches.

Sinayoko still waiting for first qualifying goal

Lassine Sinayoko, who impressed during the last Africa Cup of Nations, has yet to score in the opening two rounds of this qualifying campaign.

He had opportunities against Liberia but had little overall influence on the match, according to the assessment. Nene Dorgeles was also included among the less effective performers and received a rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Mali will now take confidence from consecutive victories, while Liberia remain without the same level of reward after being unable to turn their home advantage into points.