Ivory Coast's World Cup hopes in the balance after draw in Mali

ByReuters

Published 06/10/2017 at 21:23 GMT

BAMAKO, Oct 6 (Reuters) - The Ivory Coast extended their lead at the top of Group C in their World Cup qualifying campaign on Friday, but the 0-0 draw away to Mali means they can now be overtaken by Morocco.

Eurosport

Image credit: Eurosport

Russian-based striker Moussa Doumbia missed a first half sitter and struck the crossbar in the second half as the hosts, already out of contention for a place at next year's finals, came close to their first win of the campaign.

The Ivorians, who lost several key players to injury on the eve of the game, moved to eight points from five matches, two more than Morocco who play on Saturday at home to Gabon.

Should the Moroccans win, they will go top by a point and set up a potentially dramatic conclusion to the group next month when they travel to the Ivory Coast for their last match.

Europa League

'Blown everybody away' - Hargreaves hails 'remarkable' Leverkusen as treble tilt continues

5 hours ago

The Ivorians have been to the last three World Cup finals but turned in a listless showing on Friday. (Reporting by Mark Gleeson in Cape Town; Editing by Christian Radnedge)

Europa League

‘We throw everything we have into that’ - Klopp turns focus to Premier League after European exit

5 hours ago

Transfers

Arsenal draw up summer transfer shortlist after Bayern defeat - Paper Round

5 hours ago

Europa League

Crouch: Liverpool haven't played well since Man Utd loss - 'That shell-shocked them'

5 hours ago

Join 3M+ users on app

Stay up to date with the latest news, results and live sports

Download

Scan me