AFCON 2025: Mali End Morocco’s 19-Match Winning Streak in Rabat Draw
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
Hosts Morocco saw their remarkable 19-match winning streak come to a dramatic end on Friday night after being held to a hard-fought 1–1 draw by a resilient Mali side in their Group A encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
In a fiercely contested clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, both sides converted penalties in a game defined by tactical discipline, defensive grit, and VAR drama.
Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko continued his impressive tournament form, calmly netting his second goal of the competition from the spot in the second half to cancel out an earlier penalty by Morocco’s Brahim Díaz.
Morocco, backed by a passionate home crowd, dominated early possession and pressed relentlessly for an opener.
Their breakthrough came shortly before halftime when Díaz embarked on a trademark dribble down the right flank, forcing Mali defender Nathan Gassama into a handball inside the penalty area while attempting to recover.
The Real Madrid star stepped up and dispatched a composed spot kick past goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, giving the Atlas Lions a deserved lead at the interval.
Despite Morocco’s attacking intent, Mali emerged stronger after the break, maintaining a compact defensive structure while threatening on the counter.
Their persistence paid off midway through the second half when Sinayoko was brought down in the box by Jamal El Yamiq.
After a lengthy VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot, and the Eagles forward coolly fired his effort low beyond Yassine Bounou to restore parity.
The hosts pushed aggressively for a late winner, but Mali’s disciplined backline stood firm. Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced a decisive intervention in the dying moments to prevent an own goal, sealing a valuable point for the West Africans and silencing the Rabat crowd.
The draw brings an end to Morocco’s historic winning run, which had surpassed Spain’s previous 15-match international record.
The Atlas Lions’ senior team had been flawless since defeating Zambia in a 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier in June 2024, with their last loss coming against South Africa at the 2023 AFCON Round of 16.
In Group A standings, Morocco now sit on two points, level with Zambia, while both trail Mali at the top of the group.
Mali will look to secure qualification when they face Comoros in their final group match on Monday, while Morocco aim to reclaim momentum and clinch top spot with a victory against Zambia.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
