AFCON 2025: Morocco vs Mali Match Preview & Fixtures

📅 Match Preview: Morocco vs Mali – AFCON 2025 Group A

Hosts Morocco face Mali in a key Group A encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 on Friday, 26 December 2025. With Morocco unbeaten and leading their group after the opening round, this clash in Rabat could go a long way toward deciding the early pecking order in Group A at the CAF tournament hosted across Morocco. Olympics+1

Kick-off: 21:00 local time (CET)
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat Africa Soccer

📍 Fixture & Group A Standing

In the opening round of Group A:

Morocco kicked off their campaign with a 2–0 win over Comoros, showing their quality on home soil. Olympics
Mali were held to a 1–1 draw against Zambia, conceding a late equaliser after missing a penalty. Hespress

Morocco top the group with 3 points, while Mali lie second on 1 point — making this face-off vital for both sides’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages. Africa Soccer

🇲🇦 Morocco – The Hosts Backed by Form

Morocco arrive in strong form and as hosts with expectations high. The Atlas Lions opened with a confident display against Comoros, controlling the game and netting two goals without reply — including a stunning strike from Ayoub El Kaabi. The Guardian

Head coach Walid Regragui has dismissed concerns about defender Nayef Aguerd’s fitness, confirming he’s training normally ahead of the Mali test. However, captain Romain Saiss will miss out due to a muscle injury, and star full-back Achraf Hakimi may be managed carefully as he continues recovery. Reuters

Key Strengths:

Strong unbeaten run and solid defensive records. Daily Sports
Quality in attack with creative flair from Brahim Diaz and El Kaabi. Football Tips

🇲🇱 Mali – Tactical Discipline and Resilience

Mali showed grit in their opener against Zambia, but a last-gasp equaliser denied them full points. The Eagles have recent momentum and are unbeaten in their last few matches, but they’ll need to tighten up defensively and be clinical in front of goal to trouble the hosts. Daily Sports

Team News:
Mali have minimal major injury concerns reported, meaning coach Tom Saintfiet can potentially field a strong and competitive XI to challenge Morocco. Khel Now

📋 Probable Line-ups

Morocco (likely): Bounou; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine; Ounahi, Amrabat, Saibari; Diaz, El Kaabi, El Aynaoui Daily Sports

Mali (likely): Diarra; Coulibaly, Diaby, Fofana, Dante; Sangare, Dieng; Sinayoko, Doumbia, Nene; E.B. Toure Daily Sports

📊 Head-to-Head & Tactics

Morocco hold a historical edge over Mali with more wins in recent meetings, and they remain unbeaten in their last several encounters against the West Africans. Their tactical discipline and home advantage make them firm favourites. Goal

Expect Morocco to control possession and look to break down a resolute Mali defence. The Eagles of Mali, on the other hand, will likely adopt a compact structure and hit on the counter-attack when opportunities arise. Football Tips

🔮 Prediction & What to Watch

Morocco are widely tipped to edge this clash thanks to home support, unbeaten form, and momentum from their opening victory. Football preview outlets suggest a Morocco win with a tight margin, though Mali could frustrate if they defend resolutely. Daily Sports

Key players to watch:
⭐ Brahim Diaz (Morocco) – creative spark and attacking threat Football Tips
⭐ Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – dangerous on counter attacks Daily Sports

📌 Conclusion

This Morocco vs Mali clash is a must-watch Group A fixture at AFCON 2025, with hosts Morocco looking to strengthen their grip on top spot and Mali aiming to snatch a vital result. Expect a highly tactical battle under the lights in Rabat — and potentially goals from both sides.

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