AFCON 2023 Q: Mali seal top spot in group G after victory over Congo

Mission accomplished for the Eagles! While Mali only needed a point to ensure its qualification for the 2023 African Cup of Nations, Mali won on the road against Congo 2-0 on Sunday, on the occasion of the 5th day of the qualifiers.

The decisive twist in the Group G encounter came in the second half. At the 62nd minute, Ibrahim Koné scored the first goal for the visitors, setting the tone.

Then, in the 73rd minute, young Nene Dorgeles (20) drove home the point by adding a second goal to the board.

This remarkable performance lets Mali qualify for the 2024 African Cup of Nations, thus ensuring its presence on Ivorian soil from January.

Now, the battle for second place in the group will be played out on the sixth and final day of the qualifiers, pitting Gambia against Congo in a thrilling duel.