Morocco 1-1 Mali: Sinayoko’s strike cancels out Diaz goal as hosts held by Eagles | OneFootball

Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in their second Africa Cup of Nations fixture at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday.

The two sides showed attacking intent from the very first minute, but failed to create any opportunities.

Morocco carved out the game’s first real chance when Brahim Diaz forced Djigui Diarra to make a good save in the 16th minute.

They looked more purposeful whenever they pushed forward, but posed no serious threat to Diarra’s goal.

Ismael Saibari rose high to meet a cross from Anass Salah-Eddine five minutes before the break, but his header drifted wide.

Ayyoub El Kaabi also headed wide as Morocco pushed to break the deadlock.

The hosts eventually took the lead from the penalty spot just before the break. Brahim Diaz converted the spot-kick for his second goal of the tournament.

Morocco nearly doubled their lead just after the restart, when a delightful cross was delivered into the area, only for it to evade El Kaabi.

Mali were awarded a penalty against the run of play after the hour mark following a foul on Lassine Sinayoko. He netted the equaliser.

Morocco manager Walid Regragui made three attacking changes, introducing Bilal El Khannouss, Abde Ezzalzouli and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Mali boss Tom Saintfiet also reacted, replacing Sinayoko with El Bilal Toure.

En Nesyri was presented with a golden opportunity to restore the Atlas Lions’ lead after a poor pass from the Mali defence, but he was denied by the goalkeeper.

Both sides pushed for a late-winner but failed to score, ensuring the spoils were shared.