Read on France 24Morocco's AFCON Progression Delayed After Record Run Ends in Mali Draw
Morocco's quest for an automatic knockout spot in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations was put on hold following a 1-1 draw with Mali in Rabat. The result halted the host nation's world-record winning streak at 19 consecutive matches. While Morocco remains atop Group A, the stalemate means their qualification for the last 16 is not yet mathematically secured, setting up a decisive final group match against Zambia.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) witnessed a significant shift in momentum on Friday as tournament hosts Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Mali side. The match, played before a crowd of over 63,000 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, carried high stakes for the Atlas Lions, who entered with a chance to secure early passage to the knockout stage. Instead, the encounter delivered a dramatic narrative of two penalties and the end of a historic winning run, leaving Morocco's immediate future in the competition uncertain.
Match Analysis: A Tale of Two Penalties
The deadlock was broken deep into first-half injury time in controversial fashion. Moroccan playmaker Brahim Diaz, a constant threat, was involved in the incident that led to the opening goal. As Diaz attempted to dribble past Mali defender Nathan Gassama inside the penalty area, the ball made contact with Gassama's hand. After a lengthy consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) monitor, Cameroonian referee Abdoul Abdel Mefire pointed to the spot. Diaz stepped up and calmly sent Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra the wrong way, netting his second goal of the tournament and sending the home crowd into frenzy.
Mali's Resilient Response
The second half saw a determined Mali side grow into the game. Their perseverance was rewarded just after the hour mark when striker Lassine Sinayoko won a penalty of his own. Sinayoko went down under a challenge from Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq, prompting another VAR review. The referee again awarded a spot-kick, a decision met with dismay by the local supporters. Sinayoko, who had been booked earlier, maintained his composure to stroke the ball home from 12 yards, leveling the score at 1-1 and silencing the stadium.
The End of a Historic Run
Beyond the immediate group standings, the draw carried symbolic weight. It brought an end to Morocco's world-record winning streak of 19 consecutive matches across all competitions. This remarkable run had been extended just days earlier with a 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament opener. The stalemate against Mali highlighted the competitive nature of AFCON, where even the highest-ranked African team, according to FIFA rankings, can be challenged. Moroccan midfielder Azzedine Ounahi acknowledged the team's second-half performance dipped, telling beIN Sports, "We didn't impose our game and had to drop off. The penalty changed the game a bit."
Group A Implications and the Road Ahead
The result leaves Group A intriguingly poised. Morocco sits at the summit with four points from two matches. Mali and Zambia are tied on two points each, while Comoros has one point. This configuration means Morocco has not yet mathematically guaranteed a place in the Round of 16, though their position is strong. The final group match on Monday against Zambia, the 2012 AFCON champions, now becomes decisive. A victory for Morocco would ensure they win the group and advance. A draw or loss could complicate matters, depending on the result of the simultaneous Mali vs. Comoros fixture.
Absences and Spectators
The match was also notable for who was not on the pitch. Morocco's captain and African Player of the Year, Achraf Hakimi, remained an unused substitute as he continues to recover from an ankle injury. The sidelines featured a famous face in the crowd: France and Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé, who was reportedly seen wearing a Morocco shirt bearing Hakimi's number 2, showing support for his former Paris Saint-Germain teammate.
Conclusion: All to Play For
The 1-1 draw between Morocco and Mali served as a potent reminder of the unpredictability and intensity of the Africa Cup of Nations. While ending Morocco's historic winning streak, the result sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to Group A. The pressure now shifts to Morocco's final group game against Zambia, where they must secure a positive result to confirm their status as group winners and avoid any last-minute qualification drama. For Mali, the hard-earned point keeps their knockout stage hopes very much alive, ensuring all eyes will be on the final round of matches.
