MOUSSA Djenepo and Mali took a small step closer to the next round of the African Cup of Nations – but the West African country missed the chance to secure their place in the knockout stages.

Djenepo started on the wing for the Eagles, lasting 70 minutes before coming off for Reims attacker Moussa Doumbia.

After their chaotic opener, a 1-0 win against Tunisia, a match that saw the referee blow for full time early twice, Mali failed to beat Gambia, drawing 1-1 despite dominating the game.

Again, Mali had to rely on a penalty in order to open the scores, with Ibrahima Kone converting his second spot-kick of the tournament.

In their win over Tunisia the Malians gave away a penalty that was missed by former Sunderland man Wahbi Khazri, but this time they were punished for giving away a foul in the area.

Bologna forward Musa Barrow converted the 90th minute penalty to ensure the spoils would be shared.

With four points from the opening fixtures, Mali are near guaranteed to advance thanks to four of the third placed sides advancing, based on their record. They sit second in Group F, level with points with Gambia. Both sides have an identical record.