Mali had to settle for a point in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying opener as they came from behind to draw 1-1 with Mozambique at the Stade du 26 Mars on Friday, September 6.
The Eagles were trailing at the break after Geny Catamo opened the scoring in the 37th minute, but they hit back through Yves Bissouma early in the second half to secure a point on home soil.
Tom Saintfiet was taking charge of his first match after being appointed head coach by the Malian Football Federation last week and his team made a bright start, getting off a couple of shots but neither one troubled Ernan Siluane in the opposition goal.
Instead it was the visitors that drew first blood in the 37th minute when Catamo timed his run into the box perfectly to latch onto Bruno Langas cross to tuck his shot into the back of the net.
Saintfiets side looked to respond and they went close twice in the final five minutes of the first half, testing Siluane with a shot and a header.
