Prediction: Morocco vs Mali

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: 888sport

Victory on Friday would allow host nation Morocco to tighten their grip on Group A as they face Mali in the second round of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The Atlas Lions opened their campaign with a 2-0 win over Comoros on Sunday, while Mali were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia in their first outing.

Morocco

Morocco endured a frustrating first half against Comoros, squandering seven chances—including an 11th-minute penalty from Soufiane Rahimi—but found their rhythm after the break. Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock in the 55th minute before Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the win with a spectacular overhead kick, a contender for goal of the tournament.

That result stretched Morocco’s unbeaten run to 18 matches, including 15 wins in regulation time and notable triumphs in regional competitions. The Atlas Lions, Africa’s highest-ranked team, are widely tipped to lift the trophy for the first time since 1976. A second straight victory would virtually guarantee top spot in Group A, continuing their trend of strong starts in recent editions.

Team News

Romain Saiss remains a doubt after limping off early against Comoros, with Jawad El Yamiq ready to deputize. El Kaabi could earn a starting role following his stunning strike, while Achraf Hakimi’s fitness is being monitored, though Noussair Mazraoui is expected to keep his place at right-back.

Mali

Mali’s opener mirrored Morocco’s in one respect—a missed first-half penalty—before Lassine Sinayoko put them ahead after the interval. However, their failure to kill the game proved costly as Patson Daka struck late for Zambia, leaving the Eagles with a solitary point.

Tom Saintfiet’s men remain unbeaten in four matches and have lost only once in their last six AFCON fixtures, but their away record is concerning: just one win in six games on foreign soil. Facing a Moroccan side unbeaten at home since 2009 adds to the challenge, as does a poor recent head-to-head record.

Team News

Tottenham midfielder Yves Bissouma could return from injury, either for this match or the next against Comoros. Gaoussou Diarra is pushing for a start after impressing off the bench in the opener.

Head-to-Head

Morocco and Mali have met 14 times in competitive and friendly fixtures, with Morocco winning eight, Mali claiming three, and three draws. The Atlas Lions have dominated recent encounters, winning the last three without conceding a goal. Mali’s last victory dates back to 2002, underlining the scale of their task on Friday.

Conclusion

Backed by home support and buoyed by an 18-match unbeaten streak, Morocco are clear favourites. Mali’s resilience may keep the contest competitive, but the hosts’ superior form and head-to-head record point to a controlled Moroccan victory as they edge closer to the knockout stage.

Verdict: Home win

Best odds: 8/15

Bookmaker: 888sport