In a tightly contested match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco and Mali played to a 1-1 draw, bringing an end to Morocco's record-breaking winning streak. The Atlas Lions, who were hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025, saw their impressive run of 19 consecutive victories halted by a resilient Malian side.
The match, held on Friday night, saw both goals come from penalty kicks awarded after VAR reviews. Brahim Diaz converted a penalty for Morocco in first-half stoppage time, while Lassine Sinayoko leveled the score for Mali in the second half, also from the penalty spot.
Morocco, considered a favorite after their historic performance at the 2022 World Cup, began the AFCON 2025 tournament with a 2-0 victory over Comoros. The draw against Mali, however, means that Morocco's quest to secure a spot in the Round of 16 will extend to their final group match.
The game started with Morocco pressing high and creating early chances. Brahim Diaz was particularly lively, testing the Malian defense. Mali, however, remained organized and threatened on the counter-attack. In the 43rd minute, Ayoub El Kaabi missed a good opportunity to put Morocco ahead, failing to hit the target from a cross. Just before halftime, Morocco's pressure paid off when Diaz was fouled in the box, leading to a penalty that he himself converted.
Mali responded in the second half with renewed intensity. Their efforts were rewarded in the 64th minute when Sinayoko was fouled in the penalty area. He took the penalty and scored, leveling the match.
Despite Morocco's efforts to regain the lead, Mali's defense held firm. Substitute Youssef En-Nesyri came close to scoring in the 78th minute, but his shot was saved. The match ended in a 1-1 draw, with both teams earning a point.
With this result, Morocco remains at the top of Group A with four points, while Mali is level with Zambia on two points. Morocco will face Zambia in their final group match, while Mali will play against Comoros.
The draw signifies the end of Morocco's remarkable winning streak, which had garnered global recognition and boosted the nation's footballing reputation. The Atlas Lions had set a world record for consecutive victories in international football, surpassing Spain's previous mark. Despite the draw, Morocco remains a strong contender in the AFCON 2025 tournament, which they are hosting for the first time since 1988. The tournament is being held in six cities across Morocco, with the final to be played at the newly constructed Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
