Ex-PSL Coach Denies Morocco Back-To-Back Wins

Photo Leopold Soglo/Gallo Images

Morocco were denied back-to-back wins at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a 1-1 draw against Mali on Friday night.

Africa Cup of Nations

Result: Morocco 1-1 Mali

Date: 26 December 2025

Venue: Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah

Jawad El Yamiq was drafted into the Morocco defence in place of the injured Romain Saiss, while Ayoub El Kaabi was also given a start after scoring off the bench in the win over Comoros last weekend. For Mali, Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma was handed his first start after missing the draw against Zambia.

Morocco looked to get off to a good start in the first half but they had to wait until the 16th minute for their first real opening when Brahim Diaz carved out some space just outside the area and unleashed a powerful strike that forced goalkeeper Djigui Diarra into a wonderful save.

Mali, meanwhile, were on the back foot for most of the first half with most of their limited attacks coming from counter-attacks or efforts from distance, none of which troubled Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.

The Atlas Lions should have taken the lead two minutes before the halftime break when El Kaabi got on the end of a teasing cross in the box but ended up sending his header over the crossbar, much to the relief of the Mali defence, who had been caught napping.

The hosts broke the deadlock on the stroke of halftime when after being awarded their second penalty in two games following a handball by Nathan Gassama. Diaz took responsibility this time and made no mistake from 12 yards out.

However, Mali came out firing in the second half and were awarded a penalty of their own just after the hour mark after Lassine Sinayoko was brought down in the box. The striker dusted himself off and dispatched the spot-kick to level matters for his side.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui responded with a tripe change soon after surrendering the lead as Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi and El Kaabi made way for Youssef En Nesyri, Abde Ezzalzouli and Bilal El Khannouss.

The hosts did go close to bagging a late winner when El Yamiq rose above his marker to meet a corner but ended his steering his header inches wide of the upright, as the two nations settled for a share of spoils in the end and will have to wait for matchday three to confirm their knockout spots.

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