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Mali is qualified for the knockout stages of CAN 2019. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

By defeating Angola 1-0, a team from Mali already qualified has secured the first place of group E of the Africa Cup of Nations, July 2 in Ismailia. In the round of 16, the Malians will face the Ivorians on July 8 in Suez.

With our special envoy to Ismailia,

Who says good preparation does not necessarily say good results. And conversely. The Mali team made a brilliant demonstration in the Africa Cup of Nations , July 2 in Ismailia. The "Eagles", whose course had been disrupted by threats of disqualification of the CAN 2019 , flew over the group E. Their record in the first round: 2 wins and 1 draw, 6 goals scored and 2 conceded.

In the standings, the Malians ended up in front of Tunisians who had yet imposed in Croatia, the vice-world champions, in a friendly match, a few days before the CAN 2019.

Ivory Coast in the viewfinder

Facing Angola, Mohamed Magassouba's protégés, who had already qualified in the round of 16, once again showed some control. And a sense of the show, intermittently. Witness the pure strike of Amadou Haïdara, in the 37th minute. A missile that allowed the Malian selection to take advantage.

Amadou Haïdara scoring his first international goal for Mali against Angola. Pierre René-Worms / RFI

Angolans have tried to turn the tide. But Geldson Dala (4th) and Geraldo (6th) stumbled on a Djigui Diarra, the opponent gatekeeper, vigilant. Then, the Malian defense made the round back in the second period. The "Palancas Negras", which were presented as potential spoilers in Egypt, are therefore eliminated.

The Mali team, it will face that of Côte d'Ivoire, July 8 in Suez, in the round of 16 of CAN 2019, for a derby of West Africa which promises to be explosive.

► Also read: CAN 2019: Calendar, results and standings of the Africa Cup

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