Morocco host Mali in a pivotal Group A clash at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON ), aiming to maintain momentum after their opening-day victory.
Mali, who drew 1–1 with Zambia, will be seeking their first win of the tournament in what promises to be a tense encounter at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Match preview
Morocco began the tournament with a 2–0 victory over Comoros, settling the contest after a sluggish first-half display. Brahim Díaz broke the deadlock in the 55th minute, before Ayoub El Kaabi’s stunning overhead kick doubled the lead, marking the Atlas Lions 30th AFCON win and extending their unbeaten streak to 18 matches across all competitions.
Historically, Morocco and Mali have faced each other 20 times, with Morocco winning nine, Mali six, and five matches ending in draws. Their only previous AFCON meeting was in the 2004 semi-finals, where Morocco triumphed 4–0. Morocco have scored 36 goals to Mali’s 14 across all encounters, keeping clean sheets in their last three meetings.
El Kaabi. Photo Credit: Imago
The Atlas Lions have not lost in five of their previous second-group games at AFCON (W3 D2), and a win here would nearly guarantee top spot in Group A. Their only second-group defeats came in 1980, 2008, and 2012, highlighting their consistency in early tournament stages.
Mali, meanwhile, were held to a 1–1 draw by Zambia, conceding a stoppage-time equaliser after Lassine Sinayoko had opened the scoring. The Eagles are unbeaten in 11 consecutive AFCON group matches (W5 D6), though their record in second-round games is less impressive, with just one win from 13 attempts.
Morocco’s attacking strength, including Brahim Díaz and El Kaabi, will test Mali’s defensive organisation. Sofyan Amrabat’s midfield control and Noussair Mazraoui’s overlapping runs are likely to be key in unlocking Mali’s lines, while Aliou Dieng and Mamadou Sangaré will aim to disrupt the hosts’ rhythm.
Possession will likely be dominated by Morocco, who completed 90% of 647 passes against Comoros, with Amrabat contributing 75 successful passes. The hosts are expected to press high, force errors, and control the tempo, aiming to keep Mali pinned in their own half.
Mali’s approach may be cautious, using the counter-attack to exploit Morocco’s full-backs, with Sinayoko spearheading the transition. The Eagles’ inability to convert chances in their opener will be a concern, with precision in the final third crucial to posing a threat.
Defensive solidity will be crucial for both sides. Morocco’s centre-backs, Aguerd and El Yamiq (or Saiss if fit), will need to handle aerial threats and hold a compact line, while Mali’s back four, led by Coulibally and Fofana, must remain disciplined to limit space in the box.
Morocco have never lost consecutive AFCON group games since 2006, whereas Mali have not won their second group-stage match since 2004, highlighting the contrasting form and historical pressure both teams face.
Aliou Dieng and Mali gaffer Tom Sanifiet. Photo Credit: Imago
Set-piece efficiency could play a role, with Morocco scoring via penalty and overhead kick in their opener. Mali, on the other hand, must focus on capitalising on any defensive lapses and ensuring Sinayoko and Doumbia are well-supported in attack.
Team news
Morocco’s opening match saw an early injury to Romain Saiss, leaving his participation on Friday uncertain. Jawad El Yamiq may replace him at centre-back if required, maintaining stability in the backline.
Ayoub El Kaabi impressed with his goal against Comoros and is likely to push for a starting berth, providing Morocco with aerial threat and finishing ability in attack. Soufiane Rahimi could continue as the main forward, with Brahim Díaz expected to operate behind the striker in an advanced midfield role.
Captain Achraf Hakimi’s fitness remains under observation, though Noussair Mazraoui is expected to hold his place at right-back. Sofyan Amrabat will anchor midfield, offering both defensive cover and forward distribution.
Hakimi. Photo Credit: Imago
Mali could see the return of Yves Bissouma from injury, potentially boosting midfield control and passing accuracy. Head coach Tom Saintfiet may opt for continuity, retaining the lineup from the opening draw to preserve team chemistry.
Gaoussou Diarra impressed off the bench against Zambia and may force a change in Mali’s attacking unit, adding dynamism and pace to their counter-attacks. Defensive organisation will be vital, with Coulibally, Diaby, and Fofana tasked with containing Morocco’s movement and limiting space for Brahim Díaz and El Kaabi.
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Mali’s goalkeeper Diarra will play a key role in maintaining focus during Morocco’s periods of sustained possession, while the Eagles’ midfield will be essential in linking defence and attack, attempting to control tempo and relieve pressure on the backline.
Dieng. Photo Credit: Imago
Possible lineups
Morocco: Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine; Ounahi, Amrabat, Saibari; Díaz, El Kaabi, El Aynaoui
Mali: Diarra; Coulibally, Diaby, Fofana, Dante; Sangare, Dieng; Sinayoko, Doumbia, Nene; E B Toure
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Hosts Morocco hold the advantage through home support, attacking quality, and historical dominance over Mali. Expect a tight contest decided by a single goal, with Morocco likely to maintain their unbeaten record in second-round group games.
Prediction: Morocco 3-0
