Morocco vs Mali: Brahim’s Atlas Lions Aim to Extend Unbeaten Run – Can Bissouma’s Mali Pull an Upset against Hosts

Match Analysis 25 December 2025 Hits: 18

Host nation and pre-tournament favorites Morocco have started their CAF Africa Cup of Nations campaign very well. The Atlas Lions now face Mali in a match where they will look to extend their impressive unbeaten record.

Morocco eased to a comfortable victory in their opening game, while Mali were left frustrated by a late equalizer. This sets up a clash between a confident tournament host and a side eager to prove their quality.

📈Team Form📉

🔹 Morocco: Extended their unbeaten run to 26 matches with an opening win.

🔸 Mali: Began their campaign with a draw against Zambia.

📊Key Stats & Head-to-Head 📊

🔥 Morocco are on a 26-match unbeaten run in all competitions & are unbeaten against Mali in four (4) meetings.

🔥 Morocco kept a clean sheet in their opening AFCON victory.

🔥 Mali were denied a win by a stoppage-time equalizer in their first match.

🔬 What to Expect From Both Teams🔥

🇲🇦Morocco | Recent Result: W🟢

Morocco's 25-match pre-tournament unbeaten run was extended comfortably. They are brilliant, with a better squad in both depth and quality than the team that reached the 2022 World Cup semi-finals.

They eased to an opening day victory with goals from Brahim Diaz and a spectacular overhead kick from Ayoub El Kaabi. They remain the clear favourites and will expect to control this match.

🇲🇱Mali | Recent Result: D🟡

Mali began with a steady but frustrating 1-1 draw. They often lack incision in the final third, a problem highlighted when they missed a penalty and conceded a very late goal.

They will head into this match knowing they will likely have to settle for being second best for large parts. Their plan will be to hang on and try to find opportunities, but facing the hosts is a formidable task.

👥 Predicted Lineups 👥

🇲🇦 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.

🔥 Matchups & Players to Watch 👀

✨ Brahim Diaz — The Real Madrid man scored in the opening game and is a key creative force for the talented Moroccan side.

✨ Lassine Sinayoko — He gave Mali the lead in their first match and will be crucial to their attacking hopes.

✨ Ayoub El Kaabi — Scored a spectacular overhead kick for Morocco and provided a major goal threat.

✨ Dorgeles Nene — The Fenerbahce winger is expected to start for Mali and will be vital for any hopes of getting away with a positive result.

💵 Odds Market on MSport 💵

💵 Morocco/Home to win = 1.55

💵 Mali/Away to win = 6.74

💵 Draw = 3.93

💵 Both teams to score (GG/NG No) = 1.53

This clash presents a test of momentum: a dominant and confident Morocco faces a Mali team that must be more clinical. With the host nation in such formidable form, they are the clear favourites to take control of the group.

Who do you think will take the points? Tell us your prediction in the comments.

🔗 You can follow the Morocco vs Mali game here on MSport.