AFCON 2025: Mali hold hosts Morocco to draw in Rabat

Mali fought back to earn a 1–1 draw against host nation Morocco in their Group A encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat on Thursday, December 26, leaving the Atlas Lions on the brink of qualification for the knockout stage.

The match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was defined by two VAR-awarded penalties, with referee Abdou Abdel Mefire called to the pitch-side monitor on both occasions.

Morocco took the lead deep into first-half stoppage time when Brahim Díaz converted from the spot after the ball struck the hand of Mali left-back Nathan Gassama.

Mali responded just after the hour mark, earning a penalty of their own when Lassine Sinayoko was brought down by Jawad El Yamiq. Amid loud whistles from the crowd, Sinayoko kept his composure to squeeze his effort under goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to level the scores.

Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced a fine save with his legs to deny Youssef En-Nesyri and later reacted quickly to prevent Woyo Coulibaly from scoring an own goal in the 10th minute of added time. The Eagles ultimately settled for a valuable point that keeps their hopes of reaching the last 16 alive.

Morocco top Group A with four points, while Mali and Zambia both have two points. Comoros sit bottom with one point following their 0–0 draw with Zambia earlier on Friday.

The group concludes on Monday (19:00 GMT), with Morocco facing Zambia in Rabat and Mali returning to Casablanca to take on Comoros.