Morocco and Mali shared the spoils in Rabat after a gripping 1–1 draw in their Group A clash at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, leaving qualification for the Round of 16 wide open ahead of the final group fixtures.
The hosts, backed by a passionate home crowd, controlled much of the first half and dictated play with confident build-up football. However, Mali remained disciplined, compact, and difficult to break down, absorbing Morocco’s pressure with tactical maturity.
Their resilience was finally cracked in added time at the end of the first half. Following a VAR review for handball, the referee awarded Morocco a penalty, which Brahim Díaz converted coolly to hand the Atlas Lions a slim lead at the break.
Mali responded superbly after the restart, coming out with greater intent and attacking purpose. Their persistence paid off just after the hour mark when Lassina Sinayoko was fouled inside the penalty area. The forward stepped up to take the resulting spot kick and finished confidently to restore parity.
The closing stages saw Morocco pile forward in search of a late winner, increasing their tempo and introducing fresh attacking legs. However, Mali’s defensive structure remained resolute, ensuring the points were shared at full-time.
With everything now hinging on the decisive final round of fixtures, Morocco will face Zambia while Mali take on Comoros, with both sides still firmly in contention for a place in the knockout phase.
