Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations AFCON 2025 Group A encounter on Friday night.
Both sides scored from the penalty spot: Brahim Diaz converted for Morocco, the host nation, while Lassine Sinayoko responded for the Eagles of Mali.
The Atlas Lions of Morocco were the better side in the first half, and their pressure paid dividends in the final minute when Diaz was brought down by Diaby in the box, with the penalty given following a VAR review. Diaz took and converted the penalty kick to hand Morocco a 1-0 lead at halftime.
Mali equalised in the 64th minute when VAR confirmed Jawad El Yamiq had fouled Sinayoko in the box, and the Auxerre forward converted for 1-1.
There was no winner after ten additional minutes of play beyond regulation time, as both sides shared the points. Morocco remains top of Group A with four points, while Mali are on two points after a second consecutive draw. Elsewhere, Zambia and Comoros played to the tournament’s first goalless draw, with the Chipolopolo also on two points and in third place in Group A.
Egypt, however, became the first nation to reach the knockout stage after a controversial 1-0 win over South Africa, despite playing the entire second half with 10 men. Mohamed Salah was awarded a penalty kick following VAR review, and the Liverpool forward expertly converted to seal consecutive wins for Egypt and a six-point tally that pulls the Pharaohs through to the knockout round.
RESULTS
Egypt 1-0 South Africa
Angola 1-1 Zimbabwe
Zambia 0-0 Comoros
Morocco 1-1 Mali