Mali have won only one of their last six meetings with Morocco, their most-recent Africa Cup of Nations meeting coming in the 2004 semi-finals, a 4-0 victory for the Atlas Lions in Sousse.
Morocco vs Mali preview
After claiming a victory on opening night, can hosts Morocco make it two wins out of two to start their Africa Cup of Nations campaign? The brand new Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah was packed to the rafters on Sunday night, but the crowd were stunned into silence when Soufiane Rahimi saw a tame spot-kick saved very early on. Nevertheless, Brahim Díaz stroked home the opener shortly after half time, sparking an eruption of noise, before an astonishing, acrobatic overhead kick from substitute Ayoub El Kaabi made the points secure; it needs to be seen to be believed.
Walid Regragui's side are widely tipped to win this tournament on home soil, having reached the semi-finals of the World Cup three years ago, the first African nation to achieve this. The Atlas Lions have actually only ever won AFCON once before, this all the way back in 1976, not going further than the quarter-finals since being runners-up in 2004. Now though, Morocco boast, arguably, the strongest squad in all of Africa, so will they make it two wins out of two in Rabāṭ?
As for Mali, they were denied victory in their AFCON opener on Monday. Lassine Sinayoko broke the deadlock on the hour mark at Stade Mohammed V, only for Zambia to equalise in injury time.
The Eagles are featuring at a tenth successive Cup of Nations, reaching the semi-finals in both 2012 and 2013, as well as the quarter-finals last time round, ousted by hosts Côte d'Ivoire after extra time in Bouaké at the most-recent edition. So, Tom Saintfiet's team are expected to, at least, reach the round of 16 and, even though Comoros are their final group opponents on Monday, they could do with a result here. Nevertheless, Morocco have to be favourites for victory in Rabāṭ.
Morocco vs Mali head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 20.
- Morocco Wins: 9. Draws: 5. Mali Wins: 6.
Morocco team news
Talisman Achraf Hakimi did not feature in Morocco's tournament opener on Sunday, still recovering from an ankle injury suffered last month, but he is expected to play some part down the line.
For now, Noussair Mazraoui and Anass Salah-Eddine will continue as the full-backs, whle Ayoub El Kaabi's spectacular second against Comoros could see him lead the line, displacing Soufiane Rahimi.
Morocco predicted lineup vs Mali: (4-3-3): Bounou; Mazraoui, Aguerd, Saïss, Salah-Eddine; Ounahi, Amrabat, El Aynaoui; Brahim Díaz, Saibari, El Kaabi.
Morocco player to watch vs Mali
Brahim Díaz has aded plenty of flair to this Moroccan team since their historic World Cup run, scoring his ninth goal in just 16 outings for the Atlas Lions at the weekend, so will he shine here too?
Mali team news
Tom Saintfiet is also without a key figure, namely Yves Bissouma, who is in the squad but did not feature against Zambia on Monday, having not played a single minute for Tottenham this season due to a knee injury.
So, Mamadou Sangaré and Aliou Dieng could continue as the defensive midfield pairing, chosen over Amadou Haidara.
Mali predicted lineup vs Morocco: (4-2-3-1): Diarra; Coulibaly, Diaby, Fofana, Dante; Sangaré, Dieng, Sinayoko, Doumbia, Nene; Bilal Touré.
Mali player to watch vs Morocco
Striker El Bilal Touré has scored four goals for Beşiktaş so far this season, having bounced around various European clubs in recent times, so could he be the Eagles' hero in Rabāṭ?
Morocco vs Mali prediction
We are backing Morocco for another victory at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, likely to be too strong for Mali, with the Atlas Lions boasting so much quality all across the pitch: Morocco 2-0 Mali.
Morocco vs Mali FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Morocco vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Morocco vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Morocco vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Morocco vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Morocco vs Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Morocco vs Mali takes place on Boxing Day, Friday 26 December 2025, with kick off at 20:00 (GMT), 15:00 (ET) & 12:00 (PT).