Tournament hosts Morocco were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw by a resilient Mali side at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, with both goals arriving from the penalty spot following VAR intervention.
The Atlas Lions, heavily fancied to progress from Group A, dominated possession throughout the encounter, recording 63% of the ball, but found Mali’s defensive organisation difficult to unpick. The Eagles, who had salvaged a late draw against Zambia in their opener, proved considerably more resolute on this occasion.
The breakthrough arrived deep into first-half stoppage time when Mali defender Abdoulaye Diaby was penalised for handball inside the penalty area following a VAR review. Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz stepped up and calmly converted his well-drilled penalty with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner, sending Morocco into the interval with the advantage.
The match appeared to be following a familiar script for Walid Regragui’s side, who had won their last nine competitive home fixtures without conceding. However, Mali’s response demonstrated precisely why they remain unbeaten in their last four matches across all competitions.
The Eagles drew level in the 64th minute through another penalty following a lengthy four-minute VAR review. Jawad El Yamiq’s challenge on Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko inside the Moroccan box was deemed a foul after VAR intervention, allowing Sinayoko to confidently convert from 12 yards with a right-footed shot to the bottom right corner and restore parity.
Morocco pressed for a winner in the closing stages, with referees adding 10 minutes of stoppage time at the end of the second half. The Atlas Lions created several half-chances, but Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra stood firm when called upon. The draw extends the Eagles’ winless streak in their second group match to nine consecutive AFCON appearances, though their defensive resilience will provide encouragement heading into their final group fixture.
The result leaves Morocco top of Group A with four points, whilst Mali occupy second place on two points. Star right-back Achraf Hakimi was notably absent from the starting XI, remaining on the bench throughout the contest. Real Madrid team-mate Kylian Mbappé was spotted in attendance, lending support from the stands.
Morocco will need to avoid defeat against Zambia in their final group match to guarantee progression, whilst Mali face Comoros knowing that victory could yet see them advance to the knockout stages.
