Cape Verde hold Zimbabwe in Group A

Cape Verde maintained their place at the top of Group A of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after holding Zimbabwe to a 0-0 draw on Sunday. The Warriors were hoping to win their home game in Harare to move to the top of the group.

But the Blue Sharks, who won their opening game last month, were resolute in defence. Meanwhile, Mali got their Group A campaign back on track with a 2-1 home win over Liberia on Saturday.

The Eagles suffered a shock 1-0 away loss in the Cape Verde in their opening qualifier last month and needed to win to revive their hopes in the group. Abdou Traore put the home side in the lead but youngster Theo Lewis Weeks netted just before the break to silence the home crowd.

But Mali won the game thanks to a 52nd minute strike through Russian-based Dramane Traore to keep alive their hopes of reaching the tournament in Gabon an Equatorial Guinea. Mali will host Zimbabwe in their next qualifier in March next year, while Liberia are away in the Cape Verde Islands. BBC Sport