Morocco vs Mali (1:1): Africa Cup of Nations 26/12/2025

December 26, 2025

Status: Finished

1-1

Africa Cup of Nations

Morocco

Mali

The highly anticipated Group A clash in the Africa Cup of Nations sees tournament hosts and favourites Morocco take on Mali in what promises to be a pivotal encounter for both sides.

The match is scheduled for 26 December 2025 with kick-off at 20:00 GMT+0 at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, Morocco. This iconic venue, with a capacity of over 69,000, is expected to be packed with passionate home supporters. No official referee appointment has been confirmed for this specific fixture yet, but CAF typically announces officials closer to the date. This Group A fixture in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could go a long way in deciding who tops the group, especially after Morocco’s strong start and Mali’s resilient draw.

BETTING TIPS AND MATCH INSIGHTS

As we build towards this intriguing Morocco vs Mali prediction today, both teams come into the game with points on the board from their openers, but the hosts carry significant momentum. Morocco looked solid in their victory over Comoros, while Mali showed character to salvage a point against Zambia. Recent form, home advantage, and historical edge will play key roles. Expect a tactical battle where Morocco’s control could shine through, but Mali’s counter-threat remains dangerous. Morocco vs Mali prediction today points towards a controlled performance from the Atlas Lions.

Morocco Results

Morocco have been in imperious form heading into the tournament, extending their unbeaten run with a confident display in their AFCON opener. They have dominated recent internationals, particularly on home soil. The Atlas Lions are chasing back-to-back group-stage wins to strengthen their position early.

Morocco have won all five of their most recent matches, scoring consistently while keeping clean sheets in four. Their defensive solidity at home is particularly impressive, with nine consecutive home wins without conceding. This run underscores their status as favourites, blending attacking flair with robust defending. The victory over Comoros, despite a slow start, highlighted their ability to grind out results. Ayoub El Kaabi’s late goals continue to prove decisive.

Mali Results

Mali enter this fixture unbeaten in their last four games but will rue dropped points in their opener against Zambia. As six-time semi-finalists, the Eagles have experience in big tournaments but struggle away from home.

Mali have secured two wins and two draws in their last four outings, showing resilience but lacking cutting edge in tighter games. Their draw against Zambia came despite leading, highlighting defensive lapses late on. Away form remains a concern, with just one win in six foreign soil matches. Lassine Sinayoko’s scoring streak offers hope upfront. Overall, they remain competitive but vulnerable against top sides.

Who will win Friday’s Africa Cup of Nations clash between Morocco and Mali?

Morocco > Draw > Mali >

Morocco

62%

Draw

25%

Mali

13%

Head-to-Head: Morocco vs Mali

Morocco hold a strong recent record against Mali, losing just one of the last seven encounters overall. The Atlas Lions have dominated lately, often keeping clean sheets.

Morocco have won four of the last five head-to-heads, including a convincing 2-0 in their most recent competitive meeting. They have shut out Mali in three straight games. This dominance, combined with home advantage, tilts the balance heavily. Mali’s last win came nearly 20 years ago, underscoring Morocco’s psychological edge.

Morocco vs Mali Predicted Starting Lineups

Lineups are subject to last-minute changes due to tactical decisions, fitness updates, or team news. The following are the most likely starting XIs based on recent performances, player form, and reports ahead of this Africa Cup of Nations Group A clash. Official confirmations typically come closer to kick-off.

Morocco possible starting lineup

Bono (GK); Mazraoui (DF), Aguerd (DF), El Yamiq (DF), Salah-Eddine (DF); Ounahi (MF), Amrabat (MF), Saibari (MF); Diaz (FW), El Kaabi (FW), El Aynaoui (FW)

Mali possible starting lineup

Diarra (GK); Coulibaly (DF), Diaby (DF), Fofana (DF), Dante (DF); Sangare (MF), Dieng (MF), Haidara (MF); Sinayoko (MF), Doumbia (FW), Nene (FW)

Key Match Insights and Factors

Morocco’s status as an unbreakable home fortress, paired with Mali’s persistent struggles on foreign soil, sets up what could be a challenging evening for the visitors in this Group A clash.

Several critical factors will likely shape the outcome, from current streaks and player form to tactical nuances observed in recent performances.

• Morocco are on an impressive 18-match unbeaten run across all internationals (W17, D1) and have not suffered a competitive defeat on home soil since 2009;
• The Atlas Lions have recorded clean sheets in each of their last nine home victories, underlining their defensive resilience in front of their own fans;
• Mali have failed to score after the 75th minute in any of their last eight Africa Cup of Nations matches, severely limiting their chances of a late comeback;
• Romain Saïss remains doubtful for Morocco following an early injury against Comoros, which could slightly expose the backline if he is absent;
• Ayoub El Kaabi is in scintillating form, netting seven goals in his last eight appearances for club and country, with many arriving in the latter stages;
• Lassine Sinayoko poses Mali’s main threat upfront, having scored four goals in his previous three outings and often providing early breakthroughs;
• In Mali’s last four matches, the half-time result has been identical to the full-time outcome, indicating limited ability to change games after the break;
• Morocco demonstrated superior expected goals (xG) and possession dominance in their opener against Comoros, suggesting they will control tempo and territory against Mali.

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Free Tips on Morocco vs Mali

Before placing any bets on this crucial Group A encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations, consider these practical tips drawn from historical data, current trends, and external factors specific to Morocco vs Mali.

This section highlights lesser-discussed elements like pitch quality, crowd impact, referee tendencies, and scheduling effects to help you make more informed decisions beyond basic form and head-to-head stats.

• Home Advantage and Stadium Atmosphere: Morocco benefit immensely from playing at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat, where a passionate full house acts as the ’12th man’. The hosts have won nine straight home games without conceding, and the electric support often pressures opponents into errors.
• Pitch Surface and Condition: The stadium features a modern hybrid natural-synthetic grass pitch – the first in Africa – providing consistent, high-quality playing conditions. This durable surface favors Morocco’s technical, possession-based style over Mali’s more direct approach, potentially leading to fewer disruptions and a smoother game flow.
• Weather Impact: Expect cool December conditions in Rabat, with possible light rain or wind. A potentially slick pitch could reduce Mali’s reliance on late goals (none after 75′ in their last eight AFCON games) while suiting Morocco’s controlled build-up play.
• Referee Style: While the exact official is unconfirmed, CAF referees in high-profile games tend to maintain discipline without excessive cards. This could benefit Morocco’s tactical fouling in midfield, keeping the game under control and limiting Mali’s counter opportunities.
• Recent Schedule and Fatigue: Both teams played their openers just days ago in a condensed tournament format, but Morocco’s deeper squad rotation options give them an edge in recovery. Mali’s late concession against Zambia highlights potential tiredness in the closing stages against fresher hosts.

Morocco vs Mali Match Prediction 2025

Morocco enter as strong favourites, bolstered by home support, unbeaten runs, and historical superiority. Their defensive record at home – nine consecutive wins without conceding – makes them hard to breach. Mali showed fight in their draw but conceded late and struggle on foreign soil. Expect Morocco to grind out another victory, possibly with a clean sheet, capitalising on El Kaabi’s form. The Morocco vs Mali odds reflect this imbalance, with value on the hosts dominating. A narrow win for the Atlas Lions seems the most probable outcome, extending their momentum in the group.

Our Prediction: Morocco 2-0 Mali

Place your bets confidently on this exciting Africa Cup of Nations clash. You can place your bet on the Morocco vs Mali match at bc.game.