Morocco were held 1–1 by Mali in Group A at AFCON 2025, ending a 19-match winning streak as both goals came via VAR penalties

Morocco were held to a 1–1 draw by Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A match on Friday in a result that ended the hosts’ record-breaking 19-match winning streak.

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While Morocco’s broader unbeaten run extends to 22 games, the draw left their place in the knockout stage unconfirmed, prompting audible frustration from sections of the home crowd.

The game was dominated by video-assisted refereeing decisions, with both goals coming from penalties after lengthy VAR reviews.

Morocco controlled possession and tempo in the first half, eventually taking the lead just before the interval.

Brahim Díaz converted a spot-kick after VAR adjudged Mali’s Nathan Gassama had handled the ball.

The review process drew visible impatience from the stadium crowd as referee Abdou Abdel Mefire examined the footage.

Morocco appeared poised to extend their advantage after the break, but the contest shifted in the 64th minute.

Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko went down under a challenge from Jawad El Yamiq, and following another delayed VAR check, a penalty was awarded. Sinayoko calmly converted, sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to level the score.

The hosts pressed relentlessly for a winner.

Youssef En-Nesyri came close, but Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra produced a series of decisive saves, including a reflex stop that prevented an own goal by Woyo Coulibaly. Despite sustained pressure, Morocco could not find a breakthrough.

Off the pitch, the match drew attention with France forward Kylian Mbappé watching from the stands, reportedly at the invitation of Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi.

Hakimi, who continues to recover from an ankle injury, warmed up but did not feature.

Elsewhere in Group A, Zambia and Comoros drew 1–1 after losing their opening matches, while Egypt defeated South Africa 1–0 despite being reduced to 10 men, with Mohamed Salah scoring the decisive goal to secure Egypt’s spot in the knockout stage as the first team to advance.

For Morocco, the draw is a reminder that tournament football rarely follows expectations.

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Their unbeaten run remains intact, but sharper finishing and composure will be required to meet the high standards set by fans and commentators alike.