Mali stops Morocco’s winning streak with gruesome AFCON draw –

Hosts Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by a resilient Malian side in Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday, ending the Atlas Lions’ remarkable 19-match winning streak.

While the result keeps Morocco at the top of the group and on the brink of the knockout stages, the stalemate at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium denied Walid Regragui’s side an early confirmation of their progress.

In a match determined by the intervention of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), both sides scored from the penalty spot. Real Madrid midfielder Brahim Díaz gave the hosts the lead in first-half stoppage time, but Lassine Sinayoko equalized for Mali after the hour.

A story of two punishments

With captain Achraf Hakimi again unable to start, the creative burden fell to Díaz, who had scored in Morocco’s opener against Comoros. He looked most likely to break the deadlock, forcing a sharp save from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra in the 17th minute.

The breakthrough came just before the break, amid controversy. After a dazzling dribble by Díaz, the ball hit the hand of a falling Malian defender, Nathan Gassama. After the advice of the VAR to consult the field monitor, referee Abdou Abdel Mefire awarded the penalty. Díaz stepped up to convert, sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

Mali, managed by Tom Saintfiet, made five changes to the side that drew with Zambia, welcoming captain Yves Bissouma. In the second half they responded with increasing intensity.

Their persistence paid off in the 64th minute when Sinayoko was brought down in the area by Moroccan defender Jawad El Yamiq. Although the referee initially allowed play to continue, a lengthy VAR review ultimately resulted in a penalty. Sinayoko composed himself to squeeze the ball under goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, silencing the crowd in Rabat.

Late drama and Diarra’s exploits

Morocco aggressively pushed for a winner in the closing stages, with Regragui introducing new legs in attack. Substitute Youssef En-Nesyri looked certain to score in the 78th minute, but Diarra made a crucial save with his legs to keep the score level.

The drama reached a peak in the 10th minute of stoppage time when Mali almost gifted the hosts a win. Defender Woyo Coulibaly, trying to return a header, accidentally sent the ball into his own net, forcing Diarra to make a full diving save to preserve the point.

End of a historic run

The draw puts an end to Morocco’s world record of nineteen consecutive international victories. However, the Atlas Lions remain undefeated in 22 matches, a streak dating back to their exit from the 2023 AFCON.

The result means that Group A is well prepared heading into the final match day. Morocco leads with four points, while Mali and Zambia have two points each. Comoros remain in contention on one point after their goalless draw against Zambia earlier on Friday.

Group A Standings

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