Senegal are safely through the last 16 of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations after they were held to a goalless draw by Malawi in their final Group B match at Stade Omnisports de Bafoussam on Tuesday.
Zimbabwe defeated Guinea 2-1 in the other game, which sends Senegal and the Syli Nationale to the knockout stages of the competition. Malawi came home third and will have to wait to see if they advance into the round of 16 as one of the top-ranked third-place teams.
Senegal went close to breaking the deadlock after fifth minutes when Habib Diallo rifled a low effort just wide of the upright.
Malawi went close with their first chance in the 16th minute, as Khuda Muyaba rattled the frame of the goal with a volley from a tight angle.
Mhango close to opening the scoring in the 32nd minute, the striker latched on to a pass from Francisco Madinga, before seeing his effort saved by Edouard Mendy.
Cheikhou Kouyaté had a go from distance just a few minutes later, but he fired his long range effort straight at Charles Thom.
Sadio Mane should have given Senegal the lead just before the halftime break, but the striker managed fire straight to Thom hands.
The score remained level at 0-0 at the halftime break.
The second half continued in the same fashion as the opening 45 minutes, although the Lions of Teranga started seeing more of the ball.
Habib Diallo had a chance to give the home side the lead in the 49th minute, but the defender steered his header straight at Thom, who gathered with ease.
Thom came to the Flames rescue in the 58th minute, as he came rushing off his line to deny Abdou Diallo, who was through on goal.
The Lions of Teranga were growing in confidence and Papa Gueye was looking to score but his header from the centre of the box missed to the left.
Malawi thought they have earned a penalty on the 74th minute when Gomezgani Chirwa was brought down in the areas but the VAR ruled there was the offence was outside the area.
Both sides did push for a winner in the latter stages of the second half, although Senegal went the closest in the 86th minute when Baba Ndieng blazed over from the edge of the box.
Senegal failed to trouble the Flames defence in the final few minutes and both teams qualified for the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations.
How they lined up;
Malawi: Charles Thom, Stanley Sanudi, Dennis Chembezi, Lawrence Chaziya, Khuda Muyaba, John Banda, Francisco Madinga, Chimwemwe Idana, Micium Mhone, Gomezgani Chirwa, Gabadinho Mhango.
Senegal: Edouard Mendy – Abdou Diallo, Kalidou Koulibaly, Saliou Ciss – Bouna Sarr, Nampalys Mendy, Cheikhou Kouyate, Gana Gueye – Habib Diallo, Boulaye Dia, Sadio Mane
