AFCON: Mali scrape into last 16 while hosts Morocco maintain unbeaten record

Mali 0-0 Comoros

Mali failed to break down a resolute Comoros outfit in Casablanca but still advanced into the knockout stages after playing to a third successive draw in the continental tournament.

The result sees Mali finish second in Group A with three points and they will progress with host nation Morocco, who ended on seven points.

Comoros were eliminated from the competition but will leave with their heads held high after gaining two points with their only defeat to Morocco.

Mali will be without Amadou Haidara for the last 16 fixture after the midfielder received a red card late in the contest against Comoros for a dangerous challenge.

Morocco 3-0 Zambia

The host nation will progress into the knockout stages as Group A winners after a comfortable 3-0 victory against Zambia in Rabat.

The home side were given the ideal start when Ayoub El Kaabi sent the huge crowd into raptures when he found the back of the net in the ninth minute.

Brahim Diaz made it 2-0 just before the half hour mark, the Real Madrid forward beating goalkeeper Willard Mwanza with a cool, low finish.

El Kaabi then sealed the contest early in the second half with a spectacular bicycle kick from close-range that was initially flagged as offside but was eventually given after a VAR check.

READ MORE: Mikel Arteta: Arsenal 'actively looking' for January signings amid injury crisis