Morocco did not go beyond a draw against Mali (1-1) and postponed direct qualification for the round of 16, although it is in a privileged position, at the top of the Group A standings before the last game of the group stage against Zambia. After their debut victory, against the Comoros (2-0), the hosts could have reached six points tonight, at the impressive Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, in Rabat, in a game in which they controlled, created the best opportunities, but were unable to win. With Kylian Mbappé watching from the stands, wearing a jersey from Hakimi, his former PSG teammate, Morocco took the lead in the first half's added time, in a controversial penalty detected by VAR, punishing a cut with Nathan Gassama's hand. From the eleven meter mark, Brahim Díaz shot to count. Kylian Mbappé is at the AFCON to support Hakimi 🤩He’s also wearing a Morocco shirt 🇲🇦❤️ pic.twitter.com/FloRCmGymR — Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) December 26, 2025 However, in the second half, in the 64th minute, the referee signaled a new penalty, this time in favor of Mali, following a push by Jawad El Yamiq on Lassine Sinayoko, also detected by VAR. It was Sinayoko himself who shot for the equalizer, although Bonou was inches away from saving. With this draw, Morocco reinforces its leadership of Group A, now with 4 points, standing out ahead of Mali and Zambia, both with two points, while Comoros have just 1. See the goals from this game here: A penalty for each side and it all ends in a draw in Rabat 💁♂️#sporttvportugal #FUTEBOLnaSPORTTV #AfricanNations Cups #Morocco #Mali #betclicCAN pic.twitter.com/Kqwwyq8V6q — sport tv (@sporttvportugal) December 26, 2025