Morocco and Mali share spoils in thrilling Africa Cup of Nations clash

Penalties decided the fate as Morocco’s lead was canceled out by Mali’s resilience. Who will advance from Group A after this tense showdown?

, and Administrator

2025 December 27 . 8:27 PM

1 min read

So we a stadium in front of us and there are 6 players standing and we see 3 footballs over here,... — So we a stadium in front of us and there are 6 players standing and we see 3 footballs over here, so this is a football match and we see a lot of spectators over here and they are wearing the raincoats and holding the umbrellas, so it might be raining over there and we see a lot of cameramen here, shooting the match.

Morocco and Mali played out a 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations group match in Rabat on December 26, 2025. The result leaves Morocco at the top of Group A, while Mali remains unbeaten but with fewer points. France star Kylian Mbappé was among the spectators, seen wearing Achraf Hakimi’s jersey during the game.

Morocco took the lead just before halftime when Brahim Díaz converted a penalty in the 45'+5' minute. The hosts started strongly, with Ismael Saibari creating multiple scoring chances alongside Anass Salah-Eddine in the attack. Noussair Mazraoui and Sofyan Amrabat also featured in the starting lineup for Morocco.

Mali fought back in the second half, earning a penalty of their own. Lassine Sinayoko stepped up and levelled the score in the 64th minute. Gaoussou Diarra entered the match as a substitute for Mali, while Saïd Bakari was brought on in the other group fixture. The draw means Morocco now sits on four points from two matches, having previously beaten Comoros 2-0. Mali, meanwhile, has collected two points from their opening two games.

Morocco remains unbeaten and leads Group A with four points. Mali stays in contention with two points from their matches so far. Both teams will now prepare for their final group-stage fixtures in the tournament.