Morocco–Mali: a clash of balance, between expected control and the Malian challenge
Second match, and already a defining test. After a controlled 2–0 victory over Comoros in their opening fixture, Morocco return to action in Group A of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 knowing that a second win would all but secure qualification for the knockout phase. Standing in their way is a Mali side under pressure, yet determined to stay true to its identity, in what promises to be a far more competitive encounter than rankings alone might suggest.
Walid Regragui made no attempt to downplay the significance of the fixture, describing Morocco–Mali as “the real start of the competition.” While satisfied with his team’s composure and structure in the opening match, the Atlas Lions’ coach underlined the shift in context. “The first match is always complicated in the history of the AFCON. The second one is different. We are facing a team we know very well, and that knows us very well,” he said in his pre-match press conference.
Morocco, between management and high standards
As tournament hosts, Morocco continue to embrace the weight of expectation. Regragui has repeatedly stressed that the pressure attached to their status has been “assumed for months,” and there is no intention of shying away from it. While acknowledging that possession was at times ineffective in the first half against Comoros, the coach defended the overall performance, highlighting control, patience and the ability to unlock a compact opponent.
“At the highest level, football is also about solving problems during the match,” Regragui explained, pointing to the mental strength and adaptability within his squad. On the fitness front, concerns remain limited. Apart from Romain Saïss, sidelined by a minor muscle issue, the group is close to full strength. Achraf Hakimi continues his progressive return and is being carefully managed. “We are preparing him for the whole tournament, not just one game,” the coach reiterated.
Regragui also addressed the integration of young talents, notably defender Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal. “He is a real prospect. The most important thing is not to rush him,” he said, leaving open the possibility of involvement without committing to a starting role.
Mali, respected but ambitious
From the Malian camp, the message is one of respect without resignation. Head coach Tom Saintfiet openly recognises Morocco as “one of the strongest teams in Africa, if not the world,” but insists his side has the quality to compete. The 1–1 draw against Zambia in their opening match — after long spells of control — brought frustration, yet it has not altered Mali’s approach.
“We need points against Morocco,” Saintfiet admitted, while firmly rejecting any ultra-defensive mindset. Despite playing in front of a large home crowd expected to exceed 60,000 spectators, Mali will not “park the bus.” “We have good players, and we will play offensively,” he said, recalling a previous victory over Morocco achieved with limited possession but ruthless efficiency.
Midfielder Yves Bissouma struck a similarly focused tone. With club-level issues set aside, the Tottenham player emphasised collective responsibility. “What matters today is Mali. The rest doesn’t interest me,” he said, underlining the squad’s concentration.
Despite Morocco’s status as favourites, Regragui remains cautious. His assessment of Mali combines respect with realism. “The day they manage their emotions better, they will be very dangerous,” he warned, drawing parallels with Morocco’s own past experiences at the tournament — both a caution and a mark of esteem.
Pre-match quotes
Tom Saintfiet – Mali head coach:
“The pressure is mainly on Morocco. They are seen as major favourites, they are playing at home and they have a very strong team, with experience and quality in every position. We are coming without any inferiority complex. We want to play our chance and try to create a surprise, incha’Allah, on Friday. All 28 players are available, ready to fight together.”
Walid Regragui – Morocco head coach:
“Mali have always produced great players — that is part of their history. And whenever they play Morocco, you feel that extra motivation, that desire to achieve something special. It often pushes them to go beyond themselves, to run more and to raise their level above their usual standards.”
Pre-match stat
This will be only the second meeting between Morocco and Mali in the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations, following their encounter in the semi-finals of the 2004 edition. Played in Tunis, that match ended in a 4–0 victory for Morocco, with Youssef Mokhtari scoring twice, alongside goals from Youssef Hadji and Nabil Baha.
That result remains the biggest win in Morocco’s AFCON history, and simultaneously Mali’s heaviest defeat in the competition’s finals. Walid Regragui, now head coach of the Atlas Lions, started that match in 2004