The Moulay Abdellah complex in Rabat is set to resonate tonight for the top clash in Group A between the Atlas Lions and the Eagles of Mali. With their backs against the wall after an initial draw against Zambia, the Malians have been rallied by their coach Tom Saintfiet for a redemption mission, although the Belgian technician acknowledges the magnitude of the challenge against Morocco, which he considers one of the best teams on the continent, if not in the world.
Tom Saintfiet: “Morocco is one of the strongest teams in Africa, if not the world”
For the Eagles, who have only one point on the board, the goal is to avoid defeat against the host nation to keep their qualification hopes alive. This face-off is already seen as a major turning point in the 2025 AFCON for both nations.
Far from wanting to huddle in defense, Tom Saintfiet displayed a clear ambition during his media appearance yesterday. “We didn’t bring a bus here,” announced the Belgian coach, promising a bold approach to counter Morocco’s technical mastery. To unsettle Hoalid Regragui’s eleven, he plans to rely on the physical impact and aggression of his players, led by Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma, while betting on ultra-fast transitions. This desire to press the Lions high in front of their home crowd suggests an open and intense match, where every duel will be crucial.
For the Moroccan public, tonight’s encounter represents the first real test of strength for the Atlas Lions in this competition. While Morocco is the favorite, the determination shown by the Malian camp demands the utmost caution.
Between Regragui’s tactical discipline and the thirst for victory from Bissouma’s teammates, this duel promises sparks. All eyes are now on the pitch in Rabat to see if the Lions can tame the Eagles, who are ready to do anything to pull off an upset on Moroccan soil.
