AFCON

PREVIEW Group A: Morocco look for qualification against dangerous Mali

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Morocco face Mali in a crucial Group A clash at AFCON 2025 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday, with the Atlas Lions looking to consolidate their lead after a strong opening win, while Mali aim to bounce back from a late setback against Zambia. A win for the hosts will see them through to the round of 16. Morocco’s attacking flair and Mali’s resilience set up one of the standout fixtures of the group stage.

  • Morocco and Mali have met six times competitively, with Morocco holding the edge: 4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss.
  • Notable results:
  • Morocco 6–0 Mali (2017 WCQ).
  • Mali 0–0 Morocco (2017 WCQ).
  • Morocco 2–0 Mali (2021 African Nations Championship final).
  • Mali’s only win came in a 2006 friendly (1–0).

Morocco (Atlas Lions)

  • First game performance: Beat Comoros 2–0 in the tournament opener.
  • Goals: Brahim Diaz (55’) and Ayoub El Kaabi (74’ overhead kick).
  • Soufiane Rahimi missed a first-half penalty, but Morocco dominated possession and created over 200 final-third passes.
  • Players who impressed:
  • Brahim Diaz – broke the deadlock with composure.
  • Ayoub El Kaabi – scored a spectacular overhead kick, making headlines.
  • Noussair Mazraoui – provided width and attacking support.
  • AFCON pedigree: Champions in 1976, semi-finalists in 2023. Hosts this year, aiming to end a 49-year title drought.

Mali (The Eagles)

  • First game performance: Drew 1–1 with Zambia.
  • Lassine Sinayoko gave Mali the lead in the 62nd minute.
  • El Bilal Touré missed a first-half penalty.
  • Zambia equalized in stoppage time via Patson Daka’s diving header.
  • Players who impressed:
  • Lassine Sinayoko – clinical finish to open Mali’s account.
  • El Bilal Touré – lively despite missing a penalty, caused problems for Zambia’s defence.
  • AFCON pedigree: Runners-up in 1972, consistent quarter-finalists, but still chasing their first continental crown.

Group A Standings (after Matchday 1)

  • Morocco: Confident after their opening win, with Diaz and El Kaabi in form. Expect them to dominate possession again.
  • Mali: Showed grit but must avoid late lapses. Sinayoko and Touré will be key in transition.
  • Prediction: Morocco are favorites, but Mali’s physicality and counter-attacks could make this a tense encounter.

Morocco will lean on their attacking depth and home advantage, while Mali will rely on compact organization and counter-attacks.

Probable Lineups

🇲🇦 Morocco (Coach: Walid Regragui, 4-3-3)

  • GK: Bono
  • DEF: Noussair Mazraoui, Naif Aguerd, Jawad El Yamiq, Anass Salah-Eddine
  • MID: Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Ismael Saibari
  • ATT: Soufiane Rahimi, Brahim Diaz, Ayoub El Kaabi

Bench options: Achraf Hakimi, Youssef En-Nesyri, Bilal El Khannous, Abde Ezzalzouli.
Regragui has rotated between Hakimi and Mazraoui depending on fitness, but Hakimi could be unleashed for this big clash.

🇲🇱 Mali (Coach: Tom Saintfiet, 4-2-3-1)

  • GK: Djigui Diarra
  • DEF: Woyo Coulibaly, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana, Amadou Dante
  • MID: Aliou Dieng, Mamadou Sangaré (double pivot)
  • AM: Lassine Sinayoko (right), Kamory Doumbia (central), Dorgeles Nene (left)
  • ST: El Bilal Touré

Bench options: Amadou Haidara, Mohamed Camara, Lassana Coulibaly.
Saintfiet may tighten midfield with Haidara if Morocco dominate possession.

Key Battles

  • Midfield control: Amrabat vs Dieng – whoever dictates tempo could swing the match.
  • Wide duels: Mazraoui/Hakimi vs Nene/Sinayoko – Morocco’s full-backs must balance attack and defence.
  • Striker impact: El Kaabi’s finishing vs Touré’s pace – both are decisive forwards.

Kelvin Musako

Kelvin Musako

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