Hosts Morocco will aim to consolidate their position atop Group A when they face Mali in the second round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday.
The Atlas Lions kicked off the tournament with a 2-0 win over Comoros, taking an early lead in the group, while Mali settled for a 1-1 draw against Zambia in their opening match. Victory for Morocco would almost guarantee them top spot in the group and move them closer to a long-awaited continental title, their first since 1976.
Match Preview
Morocco’s opener was a showcase of patience and precision. Despite a missed penalty by Soufiane Rahimi in the first half and a struggle to break down the Comoros defence, Brahim Diaz opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi then capped off the win with a stunning overhead kick, possibly a contender for goal of the tournament.
The result extended Morocco’s unbeaten streak to 18 matches, highlighting their consistent dominance in African and Arab competitions. With the backing of their home crowd, the Atlas Lions enter Friday’s game as strong favourites.
Mali, meanwhile, will look to improve after their narrow draw against Zambia. Lassine Sinayoko had put the Eagles ahead, only for Patson Daka to snatch a stoppage-time equaliser. Despite remaining unbeaten in four matches, Mali’s record away from home and recent head-to-head history with Morocco — winless in their last four encounters — makes this a challenging task.
Team News
Morocco may make one defensive adjustment after Romain Saiss suffered an early injury against Comoros. Jawad El Yamiq is likely to deputise, while Achraf Hakimi’s fitness is being monitored. Noussair Mazraoui is expected to keep his place at right back, and El Kaabi could push for a starting spot upfront following his spectacular goal.
Mali could welcome back Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, though he may feature in the next game if not ready for Morocco. Gaoussou Diarra impressed off the bench in the opener and may challenge for a starting role, though Saintfiet might stick with his opening lineup.
Possible Line-ups
Morocco:
Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine; Ounahi, Amrabat, Saibari; Diaz, El Kaabi, El Aynaoui
Mali:
Diarra; Coulibally, Diaby, Fofana, Dante; Sangare, Dieng; Sinayoko, Doumbia, Nene; E B Toure
Prediction
Morocco 1-0 Mali
The hosts boast the twin advantages of home support and superior recent form. Expect a tightly contested match, but Morocco’s edge in quality and head-to-head history suggests a hard-fought, narrow victory to maintain their lead in Group A.
