AFCON 2025: Morocco and Mali make it through Group A
Criticized after the draw during their last game in front of Mali, Morocco returned to the front by dominating with style a disappointing Zambia. The Atlas Lions finished first in group A. In the other meeting of the group, Mali was content with the bare minimum 0-0 draw against Comoros. Enough to take 2nd place. The Comoros are not repeating the feat of the 2021 edition where they had reached the last 16.
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Undisputable Diaz
Facing a disorganized Zambian team behind and harmless in front, the men of Walid Regragui reassured themselves in front of a cooperative audience. In the start of the match, the Atlas Lions are pressing the Zambian defense at all times. A stifling counterpressing that forces errors from Moses Sichone players. The reward from the 9th minute with the opening goal for Ayoub El Kaabi 1-0.
Just before the half-hour of play, it’s Brahim Diaz, who takes the game under his armpit. The Real Madrid striker is at the end of a cross from Abdessamad Ezzalzouli for the break goal (27th). Brahim joins Mahrez at the top of the scoring in this competition. Morocco insists in this end of the first half but the score at the break remains 2 goals to 0.
Upon returning from the locker rooms, Morocco did not take long to set sail. Author of an acrobatic jewel in the opening match against the Comoros, Ayoub El Kaabi made it even more spectacular with a scissor that only he knows. The audience is in heaven, even more so when at the 64th, Regragui launches his captain Achraf Hakimi. Half an hour for a warm-up before the elimination matches. Goals, show, game and Hakimi’s return... The lights are on for a Morocco team that will not move from Rabat with their first place finish.
Mali contempted with draw
For this match against the Comoros, the Belgian coach of Mali, Tom Saintfiet made 5 changes compared to the 1-1 draw against Morocco, with the starts of Doucouré, Mohamed Camara, Bissouma, Kamory Doumbia and Néné Dorgeles. Undivided domination of the Eagles in the first half-hour but it is the Comoros who are the first to offer themselves a heat stroke. Myziane Maolida escapes in the 8th minute but he is caught by defender Abdoulaye Diaby.
The Malians rely on shots from afar with Néné Dorgeles from the left in the 41st and then Kamory Doumbia two minutes later. Yannick Pandor vigilant, preserves his cage inviolable. At half-time, the two teams are tied 0 to 0. In this second act, it is a hesitant Malian team that seemed to be contempt with things. From stress to the end after the incomprehensible expulsion of Amadou Haïdara in the 87th minute. The Comorian push is not rewarded. The attack of the Comoros remains blocked, no goal scored in these three group matches.
With two points and a goal-average of -2, the Cœlacanthes 3rd in the group are behind Angola (3rd in group B), Benin (3rd in group D), Sudan (3rd in group E) and Mozambique (3rd in group F) for the four teams considered best 3rd out of the 6 groups.