The Gambia and Mali both moved closer to the last 16 after two late VAR penalties at Africa Cup of Nations leads to a draw.

Two late penalties awarded after intervention by the video assistant referee (VAR) saw debutants Gambia hold Mali to a 1-1 draw at the Africa Cup of Nations in Limbe on Sunday as the teams stayed joint top of the Group F standings.

Both have four points from two matches with the group’s other sides, Mauritania and Tunisia ended 4-0 in favour of Tunisia who were searching for their first win.

The Gambia equalised in the last minute through Musa Barrow after a handball decision against Mali, who had led for 10 minutes after Ibrahima Kone converted a spot-kick.

Both penalties were awarded after the VAR advised Moroccan referee Samir Guezzaz to view the incidents on the pitchside screen.

Mali’s was belatedly given after Adama Nos Traore had been tugged down in the area. Mali had laid siege to Gambia’s goal for much of the game and deserved to finally make the breakthrough.

But The Gambia, competing at their first finals and having beaten Mauritania in their opening game, won a penalty of their own in the last minute when Yves Bissouma handled an attempted cross by Ebrima Colley.

Gambia goalkeeper Modou Jobe made several point-blank stops in the second half to keep his goal intact.

The Gambia went closest to scoring before the two spot-kicks when, after 20 minutes Barrow thumped an ambitious free-kick, taken from midway between the halfway line and the edge of the penalty area, against the crossbar.

He had another set-piece opportunity, from much closer in, seven minutes before halftime and again hit the woodwork.

The Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet:

“I was surprised with the penalty they got. I have to see it again.

“The reaction of our team was fantastic – equalising in the last minute is amazing.

“If you are disciplined you can get points against anyone. We have a lot of young talent but some of them don’t play yet at high level, but they fought as lions and I am so proud of them.

“We have never played a Nations Cup so you have to celebrate the points you win – it’s important for the mind.”

Mali midfielder Yves Bissouma:

“I think we regret a little bit because the game wasn’t easy, but both teams played well.

“We have to stay focussed on the next game.

“Afcon is really hard, everyone knows that. Every team is a good team so we will try to win the next game.”

Meanwhile, earlier before the game, The Minister announced that the government and the National Coordination Committee (NCC) have decided to offer double bonus payment to the team if they secure a win or draw with Mali in today’s match.

Gambia play Tunisia in their final group match from 7pm on Thursday, while Mali take on Mauritania at the same time.