Mali were held to a 1-1 draw by the Central African Republic in a FIFA World Cup qualification (CAF) match on November 21, 2023. The match at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako saw the home side take the lead, but they were pegged back by a determined Central African Republic team. Mali dominated possession but were frustrated by a resilient defensive performance and a well-taken equalizer from the visitors. The draw was a minor setback for Mali's qualification ambitions, while the Central African Republic celebrated a valuable away point against one of Africa's stronger nations. The result meant both teams shared the spoils in a competitive group opener.