NAMIBIA booked a first ever appearance in the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations by holding a Mali side who topped Group E by virtue of the point.
The draw puts Namibia, who came closest to scoring when Prins Tjiueza hit the post, through as one of the group stage’s four best third-placed teams.
The Brave Warriors will take on Group D winners Angola in the first knock-out round while Mali face Burkina Faso.
The result kept host nation Ivory Coast sweating over their progression hopes.
The Elephants, who finished third in Group A, are left relying on results in Group F later on Wednesday to determine whether they will qualify or face an embarrassing early exit.
Mali negotiated the group stage unbeaten, with South Africa’s 0-0 draw with Tunisia in the group’s other final game ensuring the Eagles claimed top spot.
Namibia, meanwhile, survived a late onslaught from the West Africans to emulate fellow minnows Mauritania’s achievement of reaching the knock-out stages for the first time.
Their game with Angola will kick off the last 16 on Saturday in Bouake while Mali meet Burkina Faso in Korhogo on Tuesday (both matches 17:00 GMT).
In the other group match, South Africa reached the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a goalless draw against Tunisia which eliminated the 2004 champions.
Sphephelo Sithole had Bafana Bafana’s best chance, forcing Bechir Ben Said into a low save with his shot from outside the box.
Tunisia failed to create clear openings but Haythem Jouini headed a late opportunity over the bar.
South Africa held their nerve to see out five minutes of added time.
A point was enough for Bafana Bafana to clinch second place in Group E as third-placed Namibia drew 0-0 with group leaders Mali – a result which saw both sides progress.
Hugo Broos’ side will face the winners of Group F in the last 16 in San Pedro on Tuesday, and will find out their opponents later on Wednesday.
