AFCON 2025: Morocco vs Mali ends in VAR-impacted stalemate

VAR was the biggest influence on the game, as AFCON 2025 hosts Morocco were forced to settle for a 1-1 draw against a dogged Mali side.

Both goals in the game came from the penalty spot, with the referee awarding both spot-kicks after consulting with his VAR, and pitch-side monitor.

Morocco made a strong start, immediately pressing Mali and almost opening the scoring inside 16 minutes when Brahim Diaz fired from close range, only to be denied by an excellent save from Djigui Diarra. 

Walid Regragui’s side controlled much of the first half, with Ayoub El Kaabi also wasting a promising chance when he failed to direct his header on target.

Just before the break, VAR provided the game’s first major turning point. After Nathan Gassama initially escaped punishment for a suspected handball, the decision was reviewed and overturned, allowing Diaz to convert confidently from the penalty spot with a powerful finish into the bottom-left corner.

The second half began cautiously before controversy resurfaced. A delayed VAR review ruled that Jawad El Yamiq had fouled Lassine Sinayoko, giving Mali a penalty which Sinayoko calmly dispatched to score his ninth international goal.

Morocco pushed hard for a winner, creating their best opening when Ousmane Camara’s error gifted Youssef En Nesyri a chance that was well saved. 

Despite sustained late pressure, the hosts could not find a breakthrough. Morocco remain favourites to top the group, while Mali’s hard-earned point boosts their qualification hopes ahead of a decisive clash with Zambia.