Molla Wague captained Mali as they held Group C leaders Ivory Coast to a goalless draw in World Cup qualifying yesterday.

The Watford defender, who is on-loan from Udinese, won his 28th international cap as the draw mathematically ended Mali's hopes of making it to Russia. They remain bottom of the four-nation group with three points from five games.

Mohamed Magassouba’s side complete their qualification campaign in Gabon on November 6.

Back in Europe, Daniel Bachmann was an unused substitute as Austria snatched a late winner to beat Group D leaders Serbia 3-2.

The Austrians have disappointed in the group but they are now certain to finish fourth after Louis Schaub’s 89th-minute winner – following earlier goals from Guido Burgstaller and West Ham United’s Marko Arnautovic – sealed a third qualifying win.

Austria will be expected to make it back-to-back victories in their final qualifier at bottom side Moldova on Monday.

But last night’s result has a wider significance because if Serbia fail to beat Georgia at home on Monday, they could miss out on automatic qualification depending on what happens in Wales' showdown with Republic of Ireland.

Serbia are currently on 18 points, with Wales a point back and Republic of Ireland on 16 points, meaning the prize may be much bigger than runners-up spot when the second and third-placed nations meet in Cardiff on Monday.