Africa Cup of Nations – Diaz and Sinayo both score penalties as Morocco draw 1-1 with Mali at home.

In the second round of the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco hosted Mali. After 90 minutes of intense play, the two sides drew 1-1.

As the host of this year's Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco dominated from the start. In the 6th minute, they won a free kick in a very good position just outside the penalty area, but Brahim Diaz's direct shot went over the crossbar. In the 17th minute, Diaz and Azedin Unahy played a one-two before Diaz broke into the penalty area and fired a shot, which was brilliantly saved by Jigo Diarra. Ismail Sebari followed up with a shot, but he kicked the ball directly out of play.

In the 30th minute, Diaz crossed from the right wing, and Neal Ainawi's header in the penalty area went wide to the right. In the 40th minute, Unahi delivered a 45-degree cross from the right wing, and Sebarri's header went directly over the crossbar. In the 43rd minute, Anas Salah-Edin sent a long diagonal pass from the left wing, and Ayoub Kabi's header in front of the goal still failed to find the net.

In the 44th minute, Diaz broke into the penalty area and attempted to dribble past Nathan Gassama, but in the ensuing scramble, he inadvertently drew a handball foul from Gassama. Diaz then converted the penalty, giving Morocco a 1-0 lead before halftime.

After the break, Morocco continued to dominate. However, an unexpected turn of events occurred in the 61st minute: Mali's Rasin Sinayoko broke into the penalty area and was pushed down by Javad Yamiq. After reviewing the VAR replay, the referee awarded a penalty. With Sinayoko converting the penalty, the two sides were back on equal footing.

The match ended in a 1-1 draw between Morocco and Mali. Morocco thus missed the opportunity to advance early and currently sits atop Group A with 4 points from 1 win and 1 draw.