African giants Mali were left frustrated in their latest Group I 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier following a 0-0 stalemate with Central African Republic at Stade El Arbi Zaouli on Monday night.

Mali saw most of the ball during the first 10 minutes of the match as CAR often found themselves retreating into their own half. The Eagles also looked to cause damage from set-pieces, most notably through Yves Bissouma via a direct free-kick in the 12th minute. With the wall doing its job, CAR was momentarily let off the hook early on.

Bissouma and his troops remained on top of things midway through the tie but were unable to make the most of their forward advancements. CAR relied predominantly on transitions and counter-attacks as their weapon of choice, which rarely caused Mali any harm after the half-hour mark.

Mali continued to pile on the pressure en-route to the half-time whistle but struggled to break CAR’s stubborn defensive low block.

Nene Dorgeles came close to giving his side the lead during the stoppage period of the first-45, after latching onto a loose ball in the area. However, the attacker’s half-volley sailed over the crossbar.

It was more of the same for Mali after the restart while CAR were left to defend their quarters early on. Much like that of in the first-half, Mali looked to take advantage from a free-kick on the edge of the area but were unable to break the deadlock.

Mali kept Central African Republic parked outside their box for much of the second-half as they piled on the pressure in what was a largely frustrating afternoon at Stade Larbi Zaouli.

Les Fauves were left scrambling to protect their goal during the dying stages of the match, with Mali not holding back in their pursuit of three points in Casablanca.

Nevertheless, Mali were unable to find a way through CAR’s defensive numbers as the game ended in a 0-0 stalemate at Stade El Arbi Zaouli.

Central African Republic: (0) 0

Mali: (0) 0

Central African Republic: Lembet, Qualengbe (Yanga-ba-Komi 70’), Ndobe, Yambere, Basse-Zokana, Namgbema (Djimet 94’), Guinari, Kondogbia, Koyalipou (Ato-Zandanga 94’), Mafouta (Benamna 94’), Kima Bevissa (Ngakoutou 76’)

Mali: D.Diarra, M.Diarra (Dante 67’), Niakate, Diaby, Konate (Camara 87’), Dieng, Coulibaly (M.Sangare 81’), Dorgeles (Sangare 67’), Doumbia, Bissouma, Toure (Niakate 87’)