Namibia secured their qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations last 16 for the first time after their goalless draw against Mali at the Stade Laurent Poko in San Pedro.

As one of the four best third-place teams, the Brave Warriors will move on to play Angola on Saturday for a spot in the quarterfinals.

It was Mali who won the section with five points, one more than South Africa and Namibia. Tunisia was eliminated after their game in Korhogo ended in a scoreless draw.

Coming up on January 30, Mali will play Burkina Faso in the round of 16.

Namibia beat Tunisia 1-0 in their first game, which was the country’s first ever AFCON win. However, their neighbours South Africa beat them 4-0 in their second game, so they needed a point from their last group match to be sure of making it to the next round.

In the 16th minute, Prins Tjiueza almost put Namibia ahead, but Mali custodian Djigui Diarra tipped his shot onto the post. Peter Shalulile then tried to score, but Djigui Diarra saved both shots.

Lloyd Kazapua of Namibia made a great save on Fousseni Diabate’s hard shot. Lassine Sinayoko, who scored against South Africa and Tunisia, then headed wide from close range.

Namibia held on to join their already-qualified opponents in the next round. Amadou Dante’s late free kick was turned behind by Kazapua in a game with few clear chances.

Photo by Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix