Russia vs Mali

Russia and Mali played out a frustrating 0-0 draw in an international friendly at the Gazprom Arena in Saint Petersburg on Tuesday. The hosts dominated for long stretches but had nothing to show for it, with Ivan Oblyakov's missed penalty in the 28th minute proving the defining moment of a forgettable contest. Russia were awarded the spot-kick after Nathan Gassama brought down Dmitri Vorobyev inside the box on 26 minutes, but Oblyakov blazed his effort over the crossbar. Aleksandr Golovin pulled the strings throughout and teed up Dmitri Barinov early on, though the midfielder headed over. Matvey Kislyak also went close on multiple occasions without testing the keeper. Mali offered little going forward, with Moussa Diakité their brightest spark. His curling effort from distance was deflected away in the first half, and Mahamadou Doumbia headed tamely at goal after the break. For Russia, still frozen out of official FIFA competition, friendlies like these remain their only avenue for competitive action — and this blank will do little to lift spirits. Mali will take the point on the road and move on to bigger tests ahead.