Mali halted Morocco’s long winning run with a 1-1 draw in Rabat, as both sides traded VAR-awarded penalties to leave Group A qualification undecided.
Mali produced a resilient performance to hold 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Morocco to a 1-1 draw in Rabat on Friday night.
The result successfully ended the Atlas Lions’ remarkable 19-game winning streak and denied them early qualification for the knockout stages.
Despite the draw, Morocco remains at the summit of Group A with four points, while Mali sits level with Zambia on two points heading into the final round of fixtures.
The opening half saw Morocco dominate territory, finally breaking the deadlock in stoppage time through Brahim Diaz.
The Real Madrid star earned a penalty after a VAR review determined Nathan Gassama had handled the ball in a challenge.
Diaz clinical conversion from the spot appeared to set the hosts on the path to victory, but Mali’s physical approach and quick transitions kept them a constant threat throughout the highly contested match.
The Eagles found their equalizer midway through the second half following another VAR intervention, which penalized Jawad El Yamiq for a foul on Lassine Sinayoko.
Sinayoko took responsibility for the spot kick, firing a low shot past Yassine Bounou in the 64th minute.
Morocco pushed for a late winner, with goalkeeper Djigui Diarra making a crucial leg save to deny Youssef En Nesyri, ensuring the spoils were shared at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.