Morocco v Mali: Confirmed line-ups as Regragui makes two changes for AFCON hosts
Morocco welcomes Mali this evening. Find all the team updates here…
As the hosts of the tournament, Morocco can make significant progress towards securing their spot in the knockout rounds of the Africa Cup of Nations with a victory against Mali this evening.
Walid Regragui’s team defeated Comoros 2-0 in their initial match, and while it wasn’t a dazzling display from the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, it was sufficient to kick off their campaign with a win.
“The opening match is always challenging in the AFCON history. The second match differs. We are up against a team we know well, and who knows us equally well,” Regragui commented.
Mali managed a 1-1 draw in their debut against Zambia, having conceded an equalizer late in injury time, and they recognize this match is largely low-stakes in front of a fervent home crowd in Rabat.
Coach Tom Saintfiet remarked: “The main pressure rests on Morocco. They are regarded as the top favorites, playing on home soil with a robust squad that has experience and quality across all positions. We approach this without any sense of inferiority. Our goal is to pull off a surprise on Friday. Every one of the 28 players is available and ready to fight together.”
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MOROCCO TEAM NEWS
Romain Saïss is sidelined due to a minor injury, while Achraf Hakimi remains on the bench as he continues to recover from an ankle issue.
Ayoub El Kaabi and Jawad El Yamiq are included in the starting eleven.
Morocco: Bounou; Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine; Amrabat, Ounahi, El Aynaoui; Diaz, Saibari, El Kaabi
MALI TEAM NEWS
Mali: Diarra; Diaby, Dieng, Camara, W Coulibaly, Gassama; Doumbia, Bissouma, L Coulibaly; Sinayoko, Sangare
How to watch Morocco v Mali: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Friday occurs at 8pm UK time. In the UK, live coverage of AFCON 2025 is available on Channel 4’s 4seven, All 4, and their YouTube channel. In the USA, beIN Sports is the broadcasting network for the tournament.
Live online streaming can be accessed on a wide range of devices via Channel 4’s website and app as well as the beIN Sports app.
Stats for Morocco v Mali
This match marks just the second encounter between Morocco and Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations, following their meeting in the semi-finals of the 2004 tournament. That match, held in Tunis, concluded with a 4–0 victory for Morocco.
Mali has not triumphed over Morocco in any competition since 2006.
Published: 2025-12-26 19:09:00
source: www.101greatgoals.com
