Mali booked their place in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought but lacklustre goalless encounter with Comoros in Casablanca.
Both teams found it hard to carve out clear openings and it took until the 42nd minute before either managed a shot on target.
Kamory Doumbia came closest to breaking the deadlock, although the midfielder knew little about the fierce shot from Eagles team-mate Nathan Gassama that struck his shin and deflected a hair's breadth past the post 10 minutes into the second half.
Substitute El Fardou Ben had Comoros' best chance, seeing a left-footed drive from an angle bring a fine one-handed save from Djigui Diarra, while Rafiki Said had an effort cleared off the line which was then correctly ruled offside by a late flag.
Mali substitute Amadou Haidara was the recipient of an extremely harsh red card with two minutes of regular time to play, but even with 10 men the West Africans had no problem holding on for a draw to finish Group A unbeaten with three points, while Comoros' two points will not be enough to see them finish as one of the best third-place sides because of their inferior goal difference.
Results in Group A and Group B on Monday mean Benin, Sudan and Mozambique are all now guaranteed passage through to the last 16 before their respective final fixtures.
Mali's reward for second place in Group A behind hosts Morocco is a tie against the runners-up from Group C - Tunisia, Tanzania or Uganda - in Casablanca on Saturday (19:00 GMT).
BBC