Morocco’s remarkable 19-game winning streak, a world record for a national team, concluded dramatically with a 1-1 draw against a resilient Mali side in their Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2025 qualifier in Rabat. Despite the stalemate, the Atlas Lions extended their impressive unbeaten run to 22 matches, maintaining their strong form as they navigate the path to the continental tournament they are set to host.
The draw represents a slight setback for Morocco, who are under immense pressure to clinch their first Afcon title in 50 years on home soil. The North African giants entered the match on the back of a confident victory over Comoros in their opener, buoyed by their historic semi-final appearance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, which cemented their status as a global footballing force.
Mali, meanwhile, demonstrated significant character, having previously endured a frustrating draw against Zambia in their opening qualifier, conceding a late equaliser. Head coach Tom Saintfiet made five strategic changes to his starting lineup, notably welcoming back influential captain Yves Bissouma from injury, a move that significantly bolstered the Eagles’ midfield and defensive solidity.
The first half saw Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, stepping into the void left by the injured Achraf Hakimi, orchestrate much of his team’s attacking play. Diaz came close to opening the scoring in the 17th minute with a fierce strike that Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra half-saved, leaving Ismael Saibari unable to convert the rebound. A contentious moment arose just before halftime when Diaz’s dribble into the box resulted in the ball striking Mali defender Lassana Gassama’s hand. Following a pitchside review urged by Tunisian VAR Haythem Guirat, a penalty was awarded, a decision perceived by some as soft, mirroring a marginal call in Morocco’s favour in their previous outing.
The second period saw Mali grow in confidence, pushing forward with more intent. The game’s second significant VAR incident unfolded when Morocco’s Jawad El Yamiq clearly fouled Mali forward Fousseni Sinayoko. The Cameroonian referee initially appeared to miss the challenge, possibly due to a blocked line of sight, but was eventually sent to his monitor. After a lengthy review, a clear penalty was awarded to Mali, providing a stark contrast to the earlier decision and further highlighting the impact of video assistant referee technology on the match’s narrative.
Morocco coach Walid Regragui responded with a triple substitution, withdrawing Diaz, Azzedine Ounahi, and Ayoub El Kaabi, introducing fresh impetus including experienced Fenerbahce striker Youssef En-Nesyri. En-Nesyri had Morocco’s best chance in the 78th minute after being played through by Neil El Aynaoui, but his effort failed to find the net, keeping the scores level and the tension palpable.
The match’s dramatic climax arrived deep into stoppage time. Mali right-back Hamari Coulibaly, under no apparent pressure, misjudged a back header that almost resulted in a late own goal for the Eagles. Goalkeeper Djigui Diarra was forced to spring full-length to his right, making a crucial save to prevent the ball from crossing the line, thereby preserving the hard-fought draw for his side.
The result brings an end to Morocco’s impressive 19-game winning streak, a testament to their sustained excellence. However, the continuation of their 22-match unbeaten run, stretching back to their 2023 Afcon last-16 exit, underscores their consistency and formidable presence in African football. For Mali, the draw against the tournament hosts is a significant morale boost, proving their capability to compete at the highest level within the continent.
Both teams now look ahead to their upcoming fixtures in the Afcon 2025 qualifying campaign, with this encounter setting a competitive tone for the group. The VAR interventions, while controversial at times, played a decisive role in shaping the outcome, prompting further discussion on the technology’s application and consistency in high-stakes international matches.
