AFCON 2025 /Morocco’s composure tested in tense draw with Mali
Morocco’s 19-match winning streak was halted by Mali (1-1) in a tense Africa Cup of Nations clash in Rabat. While logically opening the score via Brahim Diaz, the Atlas Lions displayed rare fragility and were ultimately rattled by the high-stakes atmosphere.
The match, resembling a knockout tie, saw Morocco struggle emotionally in the final stages. Driven by a crowd intolerant of backward passes, they over-committed, seeking a win when a draw was a solid result. The final whistle revealed starkly contrasting emotions between the sides.
Coach Walid Regragui admitted his team “got too exposed” but saw value in the lesson ahead of the tournament’s marathon.
Captain Romain Saïss, currently injured, urged calm: “We must not start to doubt. We control our destiny.”
The takeaway is clear: to achieve their AFCON ambitions, Morocco must master managing pressure as much as their football.
