A thrilling draw postpones the Atlas Lions' qualification decision
In a thrilling and closely contested match, Morocco and Mali played to a 1-1 draw on Friday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. This exciting encounter was part of the second round of group stage matches in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco amidst a vibrant and passionate atmosphere.
The Moroccan fans were hoping for a second consecutive victory to secure early passage to the round of 16 and catch up with the Egyptian team, which had already officially qualified. However, the Malian team's resilience and competitiveness on the field postponed the qualification decision to the final round, despite Morocco remaining in a relatively comfortable position.
Match details: Penalty kicks dominate the scene
The first half saw relative dominance from the Atlas Lions, culminating in them finishing the first half with a 1-0 lead. The goal came courtesy of star player Brahim Diaz in the fifth minute of stoppage time (45+5) from a penalty kick, awarded after a VAR review, sparking wild celebrations in the stands.
In the second half, the Malian team came out with a clear desire to get back into the game, and they did just that. In the 64th minute, Sénayoko equalized for the Eagles from the penalty spot, bringing the match back to square one, and the two teams shared the points.
Morocco leads the way in Group A calculations
Despite the draw, Morocco maintained its position at the top of Group A with 4 points, benefiting from its victory in the first round. Meanwhile, both Mali and Zambia increased their points tally to 2, intensifying the competition for the second qualifying spot, while Comoros sits at the bottom of the group with a single point, making the third and final round crucial for all parties.
The importance of the tournament and the overall context of the event
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations takes on exceptional importance as it is being held in Morocco, placing the Atlas Lions under intense scrutiny and high expectations, especially after their historic achievement at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where they finished fourth. This edition is considered a true test and a showcase of Morocco's readiness in terms of infrastructure and stadiums, in preparation for hosting the 2030 World Cup in a joint bid with Spain and Portugal.
The Moroccan national team faces positive pressure from local fans who fill the stadiums, demanding the continental title that has been absent from Moroccan trophies since 1976. The draw with Mali, which has a strong team packed with professionals in European leagues, is a real test of the team's ability to deal with different African football schools, especially those that are characterized by physical strength and tight defensive organization.
