Mali booked their place in the final round of the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers when they beat Rwanda 3-0 to secure top spot in Group E.
The Les Aigles were assured of qualification after the 1-1 draw between Uganda and Kenya at the Saint Mary’s Kitende stadium earlier on Thursday. In Kampala, Kenya took the lead through skipper Michael Olunga on 62 minutes, but striker Fahad Bayo netted his third goal in as many internationals with a minute left to grab a draw which proved to not be enough for the hosts who have been heartbroken by their neighbours.
When it was Mali’s turn, they made work easy for themselves in enemy territory. The hosts, Rwanda, were reduced to 10 men after just seven minutes when Djihad Bizimana was shown a straight red card.
Moussa Djenepo fired home Mali's opener 12 minutes later, and Ibrahima Kone who has had an outstanding tournament doubled the lead with his fifth goal in three qualifiers as he made the most of a mistake by Rwanda keeper Emery Mvuyekure.
Mali sealed in the 87th minute when Nantes forward Kalifa Coulibaly scored the third, giving Mali an unassailable four-point lead over Uganda with a game to spare.Mali's result ended Uganda's hopes of qualification after the Cranes had earlier drawn 1-1 at home against east African rivals Kenya.
Ghana and South Africa are in for an impressive showdown this weekend after the former faltered in their 1-1 draw against Ethiopia, giving Bafana Bafana an advantage in the race of qualifying for the African World Cup play-offs.
The Black Stars will be aiming for nothing but a win against the South Africans who narrowly beat Zimbabwe 1-0 to keep their hopes of making it to Qatar alive. Bafana Bafana’s win put them three points clear of the Black Stars.
In another match, Benin eliminated Madagascar by beating the islanders 2-0 courtesy of goals by Jodel Dossou and Brest striker Steve Mounie. The victory moves the Squirrels to the top of the table and gives Michel Dussuyer's side a two point lead over DR Congo, who registered a 3-0 triumph in Tanzania.
In Dar es Salaam.former Chelsea youngster Gael Kakuta gave the Leopards an early lead, and defender Nathan Idumba Fasika doubled their advantage on 66 minutes.
Ben Malango rounded off the scoring late on for DR Congo, and Tanzania can no longer qualify after Benin's victory.
DR Congo host Benin in the final group game on Sunday, with the visitors knowing a draw against Hector Cuper's outfit will be enough to secure a play-off spot.
Senegal who have already progressed from Group H were held 1-1 by Togo with Liverpool forward Sadio Mane forced to leave the pitch in the 28th minute with an injury.
Pape Abou Cisse scored an own goal to give the hosts the lead but Strasbourg's Habib Diallo scored at death to salvage a point for the Lions of Teranga.
In the other Group H dead rubber Congo were held 1-1 at home by Namibia. Peter Shalulile put the visitors ahead just before the break but Guy Mbenza levelled nine minutes after the restart.