Malawi drew against star-studded Senegal, but will anxiously wait to see if they qualify as one of the best third-placed sides
By Kehinde Okeowo
Senegal have Zimbabwe to thank for finishing top of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations despite being held to a 0-0 draw by minnow, Malawi, and drawing two of their three group games.
Senegals’ best chances fell to Habib Diallo and Sadio Mane but they were unable to convert the opportunities as poor marksmanship robbed them of taking the lead in the encounter.
Malawi also saw the award of a penalty in the 74th minute overturned following a video assistant referee review, after the referee had initially judged that Gomezgani Chirwa was tripped by Bouna Sarr in the penalty box.
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The Flames finished third in the group on four points and will have to anxiously wait to see if they make it into the knockout stages as one best third-placed side.
Senegal on the other hand will face a third-placed side from Group A, C, or D in the last 16 on Tuesday, 25 January after winning the group.
Meanwhile, Guinea reached the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations despite losing their final Group B match 2-1 against a Zimbabwean side only playing for pride.
Knowledge Musona and Kudakwashe Mahachi scored for Zimbabwe in the 26th and 43rd minutes respectively, but Naby Keita halved the deficit for Guinea with a stunning goal to end the encounter in favour of the Southern African nation.
The match also saw history made as Rwanda’s Salima Mukansanga became the first woman to officiate a Nations Cup game as the centre referee.