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 Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday evening.

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

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

Chances were few and far between, but Morocco looked more purposeful whenever they bumped forward. However, they posed no serious threat to Diarra’s goal.

Five minutes before the break, Anass Salah-Eddine whipped a good cross into the box, and Ismael Saibari rose high to meet it, but saw his header drift wide.

Shortly after, Ayyoub El Kaabi also headed wide as Morocco pushed to break the deadlock before the break.

The hosts eventually took the lead in the first half stoppage time from the penalty spot, converted by Brahim Diaz, netting his second 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 the head of El Kaabi.

Mali were awarded a penalty against the run of play after the hour mark following a foul on Lassine Sinayoko, who also stepped up to dispatch it.

In a bid to regain the lead, Coach Walid Regragui made three attacking changes, introducing the trio of Bilal El Khannouss, Abde Ezzalzouli, and Youssef En-Nesyri.

Mali boss Tom Saintfiet also reacted, replacing goalscorer 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 was denied by the goalkeeper.

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