AFCON 2021: Mali and Gambia One Step Away From Qualification After Draw

• Bucking the tournament trend, Mali and Gambia played out an entertaining 1-1 draw in the second round of Group F matches at the 2021 African Cup of Nations
• The match took place in hot and humid conditions at the Limbe Stadium in Limbe in front of an enthusiastic crowd
• The result keeps the unfancied surprise packages in Gambia at the top of the table with Mali just behind them, increasing the pressure on Tunisia

Mali and Gambia played out an engaging 1-1 draw in Limbe in a 2021 African Cup of Nations Group F clash.

Both teams came into the match after opening match victories, with Gambia edging past Mauritania 1-0, while Mali saw off Tunisia in a memorably controversial 1-0 win.

Both goals came from penalties awarded after referee Samir Guezzaz had to consult VAR. Mali opened the scoring via Ibrahima Kone after Ebrima Adams impeded Yves Bissouma in the 74th minute.

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Football

VAR was called into action once again in the 88th minute, when Bissouma turned villain for Mali after handling the ball in the penalty area. Musa Barrow stepped up to the penalty, making no mistake to level matters in injury time.

The result took both teams to four points apiece, with Gambia remaining atop the group and increasing pressure on the much more fancied Tunisia at the foot of the group's table.

Gambia will look to seal qualification against Tunisia, with Mali intent on doing the same against Mauritania. Both games will kick off simultaneously on Thursday night, 20 January.

Ghana forward Benjamin Tetteh banned for three matches

The Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) has banned Black Stars forward Benjamin Tetteh for three matches following his role in the melee that ensued after the Ghana versus Gabon game.

As reported on Sports Brief, the Ghana forward attacked a Gabonese player right at the end of the match, starting the scuffles that marred an intense encounter.

In a statement from the CAF's disciplinary committee, the player will first face an automatic two match ban before an addition one game suspension for indiscipline.