In their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualification match at the Stade du 26 Mars on Friday, September 6, Mali had to come back from behind to record a 1-1 draw with Mozambique.

When Geny Catamo opened the score in the 37th minute, the Eagles were behind at the half.

However, they responded early in the second half through Yves Bissouma to earn a draw at home.

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The Malian Football Federation selected Tom Saintfiet as head coach last week, and he was leading his squad into his debut.

They had a good start, putting up a few shoots, but none of them threatened Ernan Siluane in the opposition goal.

Rather, the first goal came from the visitors in the 37th minute when Catamo pounced on Bruno Langa’s pass with a superbly timed run into the box and tucked his shot into the net.

In the closing five minutes of the first half, Saintfiet’s team attempted to react and came dangerously close twice, trying a header and a shot on Siluane.

But on minute fifty-two, Bissouma collected the ball from Fode Doucoure and fired a shot into the corner of the net, leaving Siluane reduced to a spectator.

Mali went for the finish line goal and Siluane had to save it in the 80th minute.

Two minutes from time, he was relieved to see a misdirected shot go past his goal as the Mambas managed to hold on for a vital road point.