AFCON 2017 Qualifiers: Benin and Mali Share the Spoils in Group C Clash
By BBC Sport Africa
Benin and Mali played out a 1-1 draw on Sunday in Cotonou in their second Group C match of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, in a game that promised much but ultimately delivered little beyond the scoreline.
At the Stade de l’Amitié, it was Mali who struck first through Abdoulay Diaby in the 21st minute. The attacking midfielder, playing under coach Alain Giresse, gave the Eagles a deserved early lead after a sharp passage of play. But the visitors, having dropped deep to defend their advantage, soon invited pressure.
Benin responded well, and were back on level terms just 13 minutes later. Jordan Adeoti found space in the box and fired home in the 34th minute to restore parity and lift the home crowd. From there, the match became increasingly tight and tactical, with both teams struggling to create clear-cut opportunities in a physical second half.
Despite a late surge from Benin, including a golden chance in the 88th minute, the Squirrels could not find a winner. The draw marks the fifth stalemate in eight meetings between the two West African sides, with Mali having won two and Benin one of their previous encounters.
The result leaves Mali at the top of Group C with four points, following their opening win. South Sudan, surprise 3-0 winners over Equatorial Guinea on Saturday, now sit just behind them with three points. Benin are third with two points from two draws, while Equatorial Guinea languish at the bottom with one point.
Looking ahead, Mali will host Equatorial Guinea in Bamako on Matchday 3, while Benin face a potentially tricky away trip to South Sudan, who are brimming with confidence after their historic win.
For Mali, the draw in Cotonou represents a missed opportunity to take firm control of the group. For Benin, it’s another solid performance at home, but one they’ll feel could have delivered more.
With the group still wide open, the next round of fixtures will be crucial in shaping the race for a ticket to Gabon in 2017.
