Group D remains desperately tight following a third successive draw. Mali and Ivory Coast will have to win their final match to be sure of progressing. Cameroon or Guinea can seize control of this group with a win in the later match.
Ivory Coast dominated possession, but coach Herve Renard will be disappointed with a return of just two shots on target that reflects a lack of fluency in his much-vaunted forward line.
Mali scored a fine goal and thereafter were content to play on the break, but they just couldn’t hold out.