Julian was named as one of three starting centre-backs for the trip to Bamako with Syli Nationale setting up to frustrate their higher-ranked opponents. That plan worked as the sides went into the break level. The game opened up after the restart with four goals in 19 minutes. Monaco striker Adama Traoré opening the scoring just before the hour for the hosts but that was quickly cancelled out by Liverpool’s Naby Keita. An Issiaga Sylla own-goal put Mali back in front but only for a minute, Sékou Condé climbing highest to plant a header home to make it 2-2. That was how it finished as Guinea took a point from what, on paper, looks to be their toughest assignment in qualifying.

Sunday’s action sees Julian and Guinea return to Conakry to take on a Namibia side who beat Chad 2-1 in their opening fixture on Wednesday.

Kamohelo Mokotjo was left out of the South Africa squad for their opening Qualifier in Ghana yesterday as Bafana Bafana were beaten 2-0. Mohammed Kudus and Thomas Partey got the goals for the Black Stars at the Cape Coast Stadium. Kamohelo remains on 20 caps ahead of Sunday’s game in Soweto against Sudan.