Mali maintained their perfect record in Group G of 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying with a 2-0 victory over The Gambia in Bamako. Kamory Doumbia scored his first goal for Les Aigles and Adama Traoré put the match away late on by converting a penalty kick, moving Mali to nine points from three matches. Gambia are level with both South Sudan and Republic of Congo on three points ahead of their return clash against Mali that will take place in Casablanca, Morocco on March 28.
Les Aigles continue to show their quality under head coach Éric Chelle and have been particularly dominant at home during qualifying. The hosts got off to a dream start when Sekou Koïta placed an excellent bouncing pass into the path of Doumbia in the 3rd minute. The young Stade Reims star finished past advancing Gambia goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye to send the home supporters into delirium.
Mali continued to control the match, holding Gambia to only one shot on the goal of keeper Ismaël Diawara. The Gambia charged forward in the match’s later stages and after an attack was stopped short at the edge of the Malian penalty area, the Eagles flew down on a counter attack resulting in Nènè Dorgeles dribbling run that saw the Westerlo player tripped up by Gaye. Traoré sent Gaye the wrong way on his spot kick and the victory was complete for the hosts.
Video of the goals are below.
