Rabat – Today, the Moroccan national football team will take on Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger in an eagerly anticipated international friendly match, which marks the conclusion of the Atlas Lions’ international window for September and October. Under the guidance of coach Mohamed Ouahbi, Morocco enters this match with an impressive record from their recent Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying games. The team achieved a perfect start by defeating Gabon 2-0 in Rabat, followed by another solid 2-0 victory over Lesotho in Bloemfontein, showcasing their potential ahead of this encounter.
Mali, on the other hand, has also demonstrated formidable form, having won both of their opening AFCON qualifiers. The Eagles secured a convincing 3-1 victory against Cape Verde before edging out Liberia with a narrow 1-0 win. This sets the stage for a highly competitive friendly match, as both teams arrive with confidence and momentum.
Originally, Morocco was set to face Ghana; however, the Ghana Football Association withdrew due to unspecified internal issues. Subsequently, Mali stepped in to replace the Black Stars after their own planned friendly against Tunisia was canceled. The last time these two nations met was during the group stage of the 2025 AFCON, where they played to a 1-1 draw on December 26.
Match Details
Fixture: Morocco vs Mali
Competition: International Friendly
Venue: Grand Stade de Tanger, Tangier
Date: Sunday, October 4
Kick-off: 6:00 p.m. GMT Morocco time
Fans can catch the match live on Arryadia and Al Aoula within Morocco, with beIN Sports 6 also broadcasting the event. Additionally, the game will be accessible through SNRT’s digital platforms.
Team Updates
For Morocco, the squad will be missing key players, including Noussair Mazraoui, who has returned to Manchester United after sustaining an injury during the match against Lesotho. His absence will be felt, while Nayef Aguerd's participation will depend on assessments from the technical and medical staff as he follows a carefully managed return-to-competition program. Several other players, including Chadi Riad, Youssef En-Nesyri, Ayoub El Kaabi, Hamza Igamane, and Youssef Belammari, are also sidelined due to injuries.
Despite these challenges, Morocco boasts a talented lineup. Achraf Hakimi is expected to return to the starting eleven, having begun the previous match on the bench. Young talents such as Brahim Diaz and Ounahi, who both scored in recent matches, will be key players to watch. The midfield options available to Ouahbi include Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Bilal El Khannouss, and Ismael Saibari, while Abde Ezzalzouli and Rahimi serve as attacking alternatives. Ouahbi has shown a willingness to rotate his squad, and this friendly match provides a valuable opportunity for younger players to gain experience on the international stage.
Mali will also face challenges as they prepare for the match. Forward Almamy Gory has left their camp due to injury, while captain Yves Bissouma was not selected for this international window. Other players, including Mohamed Camara, Mahamadou Doumbia, and Gaoussou Diakité, have also withdrawn due to injuries, impacting their squad depth.
With both teams coming off successful starts in their AFCON qualifying campaigns, fans can anticipate a competitive and engaging match. Morocco aims to balance experimentation with consistency, as Ouahbi has expressed his desire to provide opportunities for deserving players while simultaneously preparing for future competitions. A vibrant crowd in Tangier is expected to create an electrifying atmosphere, contrasting with the previous qualifier in South Africa. Ultimately, both teams will seek to build on their recent successes, making this friendly a significant test for their respective squads.
Prediction: Morocco 2-1 Mali.
As reported by moroccoworldnews.com.
