AFCON: Mali holds on for draw to end Morocco’s record win streak

2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hosts Morocco saw their record 19-match winning streak come to an end on Friday after being held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in Group A.

Eagles forward Lassine Sinayoko continued his excellent form, scoring his second goal of the tournament from the penalty spot in the second half to cancel out Brahim Díaz’s first half spot kick for the hosts.

It was a fierce clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, where Mali did well to disrupt the rhythm of the prolific Atlas Lions attack. Díaz remained influential but did not receive much support from his teammates due to a strong defensive effort from the West Africans.

However, Díaz did find a way past the Eagles and his dribble run on the right wing caused defender Nathan Gassama to handle the ball in his penalty area as he attempted to get up and defend the Real Madrid attacker. The Morocco #10 produced a composed spot kick to send goalkeeper Djigui Diarra the wrong way and the hosts were ahead at halftime.

Opportunities remained scarce in the second half but the Malians continued to defend well and create occasional danger. A strong opening fifteen minutes saw them rewarded when Sinayoko was dragged down by Atlas Lions defender Jamal El Yamiq in the penalty area. After a long VAR review, a penalty kick was confirmed and Sinayoko fired his shot just below goalkeeper Yassine Bounou to equalize.

Morocco attempted to push for a match winner but saw their efforts repelled by the Eagles, who left with a well-earned point after Diarra did excellently to prevent an own goal in the final seconds. The North African powerhouse now sees their record winning streak ended after surpassing Spain’s previous 15-match win streak.

While the nation’s domestic-based national team had fallen to defeat at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) and the recently completed 2025 FIFA Arab Cup, the Atlas Lions’ senior team had been perfect since a June 2024 victory over Zambia in 2026 World Cup qualifying. Before then, their last defeat came at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations when they fell 0-2 to South Africa in the Round of 16.

They now have two points, tied with Zambia in second place with both teams two points back of the hosts in first place. Mali will look for a victory against Comoros in their final Group A clash on Monday while the hosts will look to clinch top spot with a win against Zambia.