World Cup Qualifying: Mali stay in the race with clutch victory over Comoros

The Mali national team is back in contention in Group I of 2026 World Cup qualifying from the African region following a 3-0 victory over Comoros on Thursday evening in Morocco.

Nene Dorgeles | Mali 1-0 Comoros pic.twitter.com/EVm4tojOzO

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 4, 2025

Comoros’ hopes of a first-ever World Cup appearances suffered another devastating blow at the hands of the Malian selection, who defeated Les Coelacanthes back in March by the same score. Dorgeles Nene opened the scoring for Les Aigles in the 28th minute after Mali looked like the more dangerous team for large stretches.

The island nation remained in the match but a controversial referee decision put Mali beyond reach when Lassine Sinayoko went down in the penalty area. It appeared that Comoros goalkeeper Yannick Pandor got a touch to the ball as he tripped up Sinayoko, but a lack of VAR meant the call stood and Kamory Doumbia had no sympathy as he dispatched his spot kick with ease to double the advantage.

Kamory Doumbia | Mali 2-0 Comorospic.twitter.com/D34pq8aXPb

— Goals Xtra (@GoalsXtra) September 4, 2025

Lassana Coulibaly put the match away a few minutes later to complete the victory, which sees Mali jump past Thursday’s opponents into third place, one point back of second placed Madagascar and four points back of group leaders Ghana.

Ghana kept the suspense high earlier on Thursday after being held to a shock 1-1 draw by already eliminated Chad. The Black Stars will now have further pressure on them when they host Mali on Monday. Madagascar defeated Central African Republic to keep themselves well in contention.

Group I Table (7 matches played)

1. Ghana- 16 points
2. Madagascar- 13 points
3. Mali- 12 points
4. Comoros- 12 points
5. Central African Republic- 5 points
6. Chad- 1 point⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.