Morocco let slip a victory that was within reach against Mali (1-1) on Friday, December 26, in Rabat, during the second day of Group A of CAN 2025. The Atlas Lions had taken the lead with a penalty from Brahim Diaz, only to be equalized, also from the penalty spot, by Lassine Sinayoko.
In the mixed zone, Azzedine Ounahi did not look for excuses regarding the performance in the second half. The Moroccan midfielder summed up the turning point of the match in one sentence: “In the second half, we stopped playing.” This observation reflects both the management of the tempo and the ability to maintain the same level of demand after taking the lead.
This draw delays qualification and forces Morocco to finish the job in the final matchday, with increased pressure despite leading the group. Among the Atlas Lions’ entourage, the message is clear: while overall control existed in phases, it must now translate into continuity over 90 minutes.
