The hosts of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, Morocco, were forced to settle for a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali, delaying their qualification for the knockout stages and ensuring that Group A will go down to the wire.

Played in a charged atmosphere, the contest never lacked intensity. Morocco, known as the Atlas Lions, dominated possession throughout the first half but struggled to break down a well-organised and compact Malian defence. Patience was key for Walid Regragui’s side, and their persistence was eventually rewarded deep into first-half stoppage time.

After a VAR review confirmed a handball inside the penalty area, the referee pointed to the spot. Brahim Diaz stepped up with confidence and calmly converted the penalty to give the hosts a deserved lead just before the break.

However, Mali refused to fade. Just after the hour mark, Lassina Sinayoko was brought down inside the Moroccan penalty area. The forward took responsibility himself and made no mistake from 12 yards, restoring parity and shifting the momentum of the match.

The final stages saw relentless pressure from Morocco, who threw numbers forward in search of a decisive winner. Yet time and again, they were frustrated by Mali’s resilience and defensive discipline, as the visitors stood firm to earn a crucial point.

As a result, qualification from Group A remains wide open. In the final round of group matches, Morocco will face Zambia, while Mali take on Comoros, with both knockout places still very much up for grabs.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco - Mali 1:1 (1:0)
Goals: Diaz Br., 45 (penalty) (1:0); Sinayoko, 64 (penalty) (1:1)

Morocco: Bounou; Aguerd; El Yamiq; Salah-Eddine; Mazraoui; Amrabat S. (Ben Seghir, 82); Ounahi A. (Ezzalzouli, 71); Diaz Br. (El Khannouss, 71); Saibari (Rahimi S., 82); El Aynaoui; El Kaabi (En Nesyri, 70)
Substitution: En Nesyri (from 70); Ezzalzouli (from 71); El Khannouss (from 71); Rahimi S. (from 82); Ben Seghir (from 82)
Bench: Munir; Al Harrar; Hakimi; Chibi; Masina; Ait Boudlal; Belammari Youssef; Targhalline; Akhomach; Talbi
Yellow Cards: Aguerd 52

Mali: Diarra Dj.; Diaby A.; Camara O.; Coulibaly W.; Gassama; Doumbia M. (Doumbia K., 90); Bissouma (Diarra G., 57); Dieng Al.; Sangaré (Dorgeles, 90); Coulibaly L.; Sinayoko (Toure E.B., 76)
Substitution: Diarra G. (from 57); Toure E.B. (from 76); Dorgeles (from 90); Doumbia K. (from 90)
Bench: Diawara I.; Samassa; Dante Am.; Doucoure F.; Fofana M.; Haidara A.; Sissoko I.; Camara Moh.; Camara Mam.; Doumbia M-u; Diakite G.
Yellow Cards: Camara O. 22; Diaby A. 45; Doumbia M. 50; Coulibaly W. 51; Sinayoko 63; Diarra Dj. 82; Dorgeles 90