AFCON 2025 : Diaz and Sinayoko Trade Penalties as Morocco, Mali Share the Spoils

Morocco and Mali played out a tense 1-1 draw in Rabat after a match defined by penalties, VAR drama and relentless second-half pressure from the visitors.

The Atlas Lions went into the break with a slender advantage thanks to Brahim Diaz, who proved a constant thorn in the flesh of the Mali defence throughout the first half. Although Mali slightly edged possession and matched the hosts in intensity, it was Morocco who found the breakthrough at the knock of halftime.

Diaz calmly converted a well-drilled penalty after a Malian defender was penalised for handling the ball inside the box, sending Morocco into the tunnel 1-0 up.

The second half told a different story. Mali emerged with renewed urgency, piling sustained pressure on the hosts as they searched for an equaliser. Their persistence paid off just after the hour mark when Lassana Sinayoko was brought down inside the Moroccan penalty area.

Following a lengthy four-minute VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Sinayoko stepped up and showed composure, converting from 12 yards in the 64th minute to restore parity at 1-1.

Both sides pushed hard in the closing stages in search of a winning goal, trading attacks and moments of promise, but neither could find the decisive breakthrough.

The draw leaves Morocco top of the group with four points after two matches, while Mali sit on two points, having recorded back-to-back draws.