AFCON: Mbappe can’t save them – Mali holds Morocco in a penalty-filled thriller

Morocco will reach the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations without a doubt, but tonight’s match showed they have weaknesses. Although they were favorites against Mali, they fell short of expectations as the West African side managed to cancel out the hosts’ advantage.

Morocco took a 1–0 lead into the break against Mali in their Group A AFCON clash, with the opening half defined by missed chances and a late VAR decision that finally broke the deadlock.

The Moroccans were first to threaten in the 6th minute when Brahim Diaz stepped up to take a free kick from distance. He struck the ball with power, but his effort flew high over the crossbar and out for a goal kick. Diaz was again at the center of the action ten minutes later, finding himself in a prime position inside the six-yard box. He went for a low finish straight down the middle, but Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced an outstanding save to deny him.

Mali had a rare attempt of their own in the 25th minute, as Mamadou Sangare tried his luck from medium range. His shot lacked accuracy, however, sailing well over the goal and posing no real danger.

Morocco continued to push as half-time approached and squandered two big opportunities in quick succession. In the 40th minute, Ismael Saibari rose to meet a cross but failed to generate power or precision with his header from around 11 meters, sending the ball high over the bar. Three minutes later, Ayoub El Kaabi also missed a golden chance, creating space near the penalty spot before heading well over the crossbar.

The breakthrough finally came deep into stoppage time. In the 45+1st minute, Morocco appealed for a penalty after what appeared to be a handball by Nathan Gassama inside the box. Play initially continued, but referee Abdou Mefire stopped the match to review the incident via VAR. After consulting the replay, he awarded a penalty, much to the delight of the Moroccan players. Brahim Diaz stepped up and calmly converted, placing his shot into the bottom-left corner to give Morocco a deserved 1–0 lead at the interval.

The second half saw fewer clear-cut chances, but the game remained tense and competitive. The breakthrough came in the 59th minute when Lassine Sinayoko went down in the box after a challenge. Initially, the referee waved off the appeals, but after consulting VAR, a penalty was awarded. Sinayoko stepped up and calmly converted from the spot, leveling the score at 1-1.

Morocco responded with some attacking pressure, but their efforts were largely kept at bay. In the 78th minute, Youssef En Nesyri tried his luck from inside the box, but his shot went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. Later, in the 88th minute, Jawad El Yamiq threatened with a header from around 11 meters, yet the attempt sailed just wide of the post, allowing Mali to regain possession.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - GROUP STAGE

Friday

Angola - Zimbabwe 1-1 (1-1)

/Dala 24 - Musona 45+6/

Egypt - South Africa 1-0 (1-0)

/Salah 45 pen/

Zambia - Comoros 0-0

Morocco - Mali 1-1 (1-0)

/Diaz 45+5 pen - Sinayoko 64 pen/

Saturday

15.30: (1.70) Benin (3.50) Botswana (5.50)

18.00: (1.75) Senegal (3.50) Dr Congo (5.10)

20.30: (2.40) Uganda (3.10) Tanzania (3.20)

23.00: (2.40) Nigeria (3.10) Tunisia (3.20)

Sunday

15.30: (1.92) Gabon (3.35) Mozambique (4.30)

18.00: (2.50) Equatorial Guinea (3.10) Sudan (3.05)

20.30: (2.00) Algeria (3.35) Burkina Faso (4.00)

23.00: (2.20) Ivory Coast (3.15) Cameroon (3.60)

***odds are subject to change***