Cold shower in Rabat: Mali deprives Morocco of a quick qualification

Walid Regragui’s men thought they had done the hardest part just before the break. After a first half marked by sterile domination and a lot of technical waste in the final gesture, the liberation came from Brahim Diaz. The playmaker of the Lions converted a penalty in stoppage time, allowing Morocco to go to the locker room with the advantage (1-0).

Sinayoko responds to Diaz

But the ideal scenario was disrupted in the second half. The Eagles of Mali, refusing defeat, came back with other intentions. In the 64th minute, Lassine Sinayoko also took advantage of a penalty to put the two teams back on equal terms.

Despite a final push and the tactical changes of the coach, Romain Saïss’s teammates (absent from the starting lineup) failed to break the Malian lock, sinning by lack of efficiency in front of the goal.

Appointment on Monday against Zambia

This draw (1-1), combined with the 0-0 between Zambia and the Comoros earlier in the day, maintains the suspense in this group A. Morocco will have to absolutely ensure the blow next Monday, December 29 (8pm), against Zambia to guarantee its qualification and try to retain the first place in the group.