AFCON 2025: Morocco vs Mali preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

The host nation made a good first impression with a statement win against Comoros, as Mali will look to build on the disappointment of only settling for a draw in their opening match.

Morocco started the 2025 AFCON campaign with a comfortable 2-0 victory against Comoros at the opening match of the competition. The win in this match not only gave them the needed 3 points but also saw them take the top spot in the Group A table.

Although Soufiane Rahimi failed to convert a penalty kick earlier in the match, the Atlas Lions were able to overcome the hurdles of disappointing their home fans. An overhead kick goal from El Kaabi ensured the fans had something to talk about, even after the match.

This means that the home nation is now on an 18 matches unbeaten run, making them a heavy favourite for the continental title. A win in this fixture will be enough for the North African team to qualify for the next round with the last game to spare.

Mali also could not convert their penalty spot kick, which came back to hurt them later in the match. In their opening match, the Eagles conceded a late-minute goal to settle for a 1-1 draw against Zambia.

The result from the first match will put Tom Saintfiet’s men under pressure, as losing this fixture will make qualifying for the next round more challenging.

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Both Morocco and Mali have met 9 times in all competitions, including friendlies, and the North African team has a slight edge in previous meetings (W4, D3, L3). In their last meeting, Morocco recorded a 2-0 victory in the 2020 African Nations Championship final.

After scoring the first game of the AFCON 2025 tournament, Brahim Díaz will once more be tasked with breaking the defense of the Malians. The creativity of the Real Madrid star may prove to make a difference in the game.

Unfortunately, Roman Saiss will miss this match as he was subbed off earlier in the game against Comoros due to injury. However, the good news for Walid Regragui is that the African best player, Achraf Hakimi, will be available to feature in this match.

There are no fresh injury concerns for Mali as coach Tom Saintfiet will have his squad in full strength to face Morocco in this important encounter. After failing to get a start in the last match, Amadou Haidara will likely start the game against Morocco in Rabat.

Morocco (4-3-3): Bono; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Hakimi; El Aynaoui, Amrabat, Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Rahimi, Saibari

Mali (4-3-3): D. Diarra; W. Coulibaly, Diaby, Fofana, Dante; Sangare, Dieng, Haidara; Sinayoko, K. Doumbia, Nene

The Moroccan team appears to be a very solid side and has been unbeaten in more than 10 games now. Their win against Comoros also puts them in a more comfortable position, especially as Mali were held to a 1-1 draw in their last match.

The host nation looks more likely to win this encounter, and you can stake on this at LiveScore Bet, where bettors can enjoy the best odds and mouthwatering bonuses.

Prediction: Morocco 1:0 Mali

• Bet on Morocco to win.

• Under 2.5 goals

• Over 6.5 corners