Mali Halt Morocco’s Winning Run with Gritty AFCON Draw

Hosts Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Mali side in Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, ending the Atlas Lions’ remarkable 19-match winning streak.

While the result keeps Morocco at the top of the group and on the brink of the knockout stages, the stalemate at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium denied Walid Regragui’s side early confirmation of their progression.

In a match defined by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) interventions, both sides scored from the penalty spot. Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz gave the hosts the lead in first-half stoppage time, only for Lassine Sinayoko to equalise for Mali after the hour mark.

A Tale of Two Penalties

With captain Achraf Hakimi once again unfit to start, the creative burden fell to Díaz, who had scored in Morocco’s opener against Comoros. He looked the most likely to break the deadlock, forcing a sharp save from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra in the 17th minute.

The breakthrough arrived just before the interval amidst controversy. Following a dazzling dribble by Díaz, the ball struck the hand of a falling Mali defender, Nathan Gassama. After being advised by the VAR to consult the pitchside monitor, referee Abdou Abdel Mefire awarded the penalty. Díaz stepped up to convert, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Mali, managed by Tom Saintfiet, had made five changes to the side that drew with Zambia, welcoming back captain Yves Bissouma. They responded with increased intensity in the second half.

Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Sinayoko was brought down inside the area by Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq. Although the referee initially waved play on, a lengthy VAR review eventually resulted in a spot-kick. Sinayoko composed himself to squeeze the ball under goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, silencing the Rabat crowd.

Late Drama and Diarra’s Heroics

Morocco pushed aggressively for a winner in the closing stages, with Regragui introducing fresh legs in attack. Substitute Youssef En-Nesyri looked certain to score in the 78th minute, but Diarra produced a crucial save with his legs to keep the scores level.

The drama peaked in the 10th minute of stoppage time when Mali nearly gifted the hosts a victory. Defender Woyo Coulibaly, attempting a headed back-pass, inadvertently sent the ball toward his own net, forcing Diarra into a full-stretch diving save to preserve the point.

End of a Historic Run

The draw halts Morocco’s world-record run of 19 consecutive international victories. However, the Atlas Lions remain unbeaten in 22 matches, a streak dating back to their exit from the 2023 AFCON.

The result leaves Group A finely poised heading into the final matchday. Morocco lead with four points, while Mali and Zambia sit on two points each. Comoros remain in contention on one point following their goalless draw with Zambia earlier on Friday.

Group A Standings