AFCON 2025: Mali Force Hosts Morocco to a 1–1 Draw in Group A Thriller

By Francis Onyach - Reporter

Kenya, 27 December 2025 - Hosts Morocco were held to a 1–1 draw by Mali in their Group A clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, in a result that prevented the Atlas Lions from sealing early qualification to the knockout stages of AFCON 2025.

The hosts looked on course for victory in a tense contest that saw two VAR-awarded penalties. Morocco got the first blood in first-half stoppage time (45+5′) when Brahim Díaz calmly converted from the spot after a VAR check confirmed a handball against Mali defender Nathan Gassama.

The defender, who has been a key creative force throughout the tournament, sent the goalkeeper the wrong way from the penalty spot to give Morocco a lead going into the break.

However, Mali responded in the 64th minute, also from the penalty spot. After Jawad El Yamiq was adjudged to have fouled Lassine Sinayoko inside the box following another VAR intervention, Sinayoko stepped up and coolly slotted his penalty into the bottom corner to level the match. His composed finish ensured Mali earned a valuable point in a tough encounter.

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The draw was enough to keep Morocco top of Group A with four points after two games, but it also snapped their 19-match winning run, a world-record streak that had stretched back through previous competitions. The result means Morocco must still wait to secure their place in the knockout rounds, while Mali sit second in the group with two points and remain very much in contention.

Both teams pressed for a winner in the closing stages, but Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made a number of key saves, including denying Youssef En-Nesyri, to preserve the draw. With momentum swinging between the sides, neither could find a decisive breakthrough, leaving Group A competitive heading into the final round of fixtures.