Keita inspires Mali to book ticket

Captain Seydou Keita inspired Mali to qualify aiding them to a 2-0 win over Algeria on Wednesday in Bamako.

The 34-year old Keita led by example scoring the opener from the spot on 29 minutes before Mustapha Yatabare netted the second goal on 52 minutes in the Group B ultimate clash.

The result saw Mali maintaining their impressive record of qualifying for every edition of the continental showpiece since 2002, when they hosted it. The Eagles finished on nine points, six points short of leaders Algeria, who had already sealed their place prior to the ultimate match.

Malawi who played out a barren draw with Ethiopia in Addis Ababa finished on seven points and Ethiopia at the depth with four points.

Backed by an ecstatic crowd, the Malians were awarded a penalty after Keita was fouled in the vital area. The captain elected himself and slotted past Doukha Azzedine for the first goal.

Upon resumption of the second half, the Malians never rested and succeeded in getting the second goal through Yatabare to seal qualification for next year’s event in Equatorial Guinea.

In the other Group B match in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia and Malawi played out a barren game.

Mali thus becomes the 13th team to qualify for the 30th edition of the flagship African football event.