Mali fought back from behind to earn a 1–1 draw against Morocco in a Group A encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Friday in Rabat, leaving the host nation on the verge of qualifying for the knockout stage. The contest at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium was dominated by two penalty decisions, both awarded following interventions by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), which sent referee Abdou Abdel Mefire to the pitchside monitor. Morocco took the lead deep into first-half stoppage time when Brahim Diaz converted from the penalty spot after Mali left-back Nathan Gassama was penalised for handball inside the area. READ ALSO: Amad Diallo strike gives Ivory Coast victory at AFCON 2025 Mali responded after the break and were rewarded just after the hour mark when Lassine Sinayoko was brought down by Jawad El Yamiq. The striker calmly dispatched the resulting penalty, firing low past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou despite loud whistles from the home supporters. The Eagles were forced to withstand late pressure as Morocco pushed for a winner. Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced a fine save with his legs to deny Youssef En-Nesyri and later reacted sharply to prevent Woyo Coulibaly from turning the ball into his own net in the 10th minute of added time. The draw keeps Mali firmly in contention for a place in the last 16, while Morocco remain top of Group A with four points. Mali and Zambia are level on two points each, with Comoros bottom on one point following their goalless draw with Zambia earlier on Friday. Group A fixtures conclude on Monday, with Morocco facing Zambia in Rabat, while Mali return to Casablanca to take on Comoros.
Mali hold Morocco to draw as AFCON 2025 hosts edge closer to knockout stage
