After both teams started their qualifying campaigns for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with perfect records, Morocco and Mali are set to take a break from official competition to face each other in a friendly match at the Grand Stade de Tanger this Sunday.

The two sides met earlier in December during the 2025 AFCON group stage, where they played to a 1-1 draw. Brahim Diaz scored first for Morocco in the first half, only for Lassine Sinayoko to equalize with a penalty in the 64th minute. Now, as they gear up for another encounter, let's dive into our **Morocco vs. Mali** match preview.

Match Preview: Morocco vs. Mali

The shockwaves that followed the Confederation of African Football's decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON host title and award it to Morocco now seem like a distant memory. The Atlas Lions are on the right track to secure their place in the 2027 edition after a solid start to their qualifying campaign.

Morocco kicked off their qualifying journey with a convincing 2-0 victory over Gabon in Rabat on September 25, thanks to goals from Noussair Mazraoui, the Manchester United full-back, and Soufiane Rahimi. Just four days later, they followed up with another 2-0 win against Lesotho in Bloemfontein, South Africa, showcasing their dominance with over 70% possession. The team's efforts were rewarded with goals from Real Madrid's Brahim Diaz and 26-year-old midfielder Azzedine Ounahi. This strong performance continues the momentum from their impressive World Cup campaign earlier in the year, where they eliminated the Netherlands and Canada before falling to France in the quarter-finals on July 9.

Remarkably, that defeat to France remains Morocco's only loss in their last 37 matches across all competitions. The Atlas Lions boast an astonishing record of 31 wins and 5 draws since their last defeat, which occurred during the African Nations Championship (CHAN) against Kenya in August 2025.

Similarly, the Mali national team can take pride in their strong start to the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. The Eagles have won their first two matches and currently sit at the top of Group K, tied on points with Rwanda. A brace from Fenerbahçe striker Dorgeles Nene and an early goal from Ange Tia secured a comfortable 3-1 victory over Cape Verde on September 25. Just four days later, Tia struck again in the second half to secure a narrow 1-0 win against Liberia.

Under the guidance of coach Anthony da Silva, who aims for an 11th appearance at the AFCON finals, Mali had struggled in their previous three matches (with one draw and two losses, including a 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the 2025 AFCON quarter-finals). However, they have managed to turn their fortunes around recently. Facing a star-studded Moroccan side will undoubtedly present a significant challenge; the Atlas Lions currently hold the 6th position in the latest FIFA rankings, making them the top African nation. Historically, the Eagles have had competitive encounters with Morocco, recording 6 wins and 6 draws in 21 meetings, although they haven’t won in their last four matches (with 2 draws and 2 losses), with their last victory dating back to May 2006.

Moroccan Form (International Friendlies): W-D-W-W-W-D
Moroccan Form (All Competitions): W-W-W-L-W-W
Malian Form (International Friendlies): L-D-D-N-N-D
Malian Form (All Competitions): W-L-D-D-W-W

Predicted Lineups and Key Players

Having secured victories in their two qualifying matches, Morocco's coach Mohamed Ouahbi might opt to rest some key players. Candidates for starting positions include Anass Salah-Eddine, Soufiane El-Faouzi, and Anderlecht's Tawfik Bentayeb.

Achraf Hakimi, who missed the opener against Gabon, made a return against Lesotho last week, but he is likely to start on the bench alongside Mazraoui, who played the full 90 minutes in both qualifying matches.

On the Malian side, 19-year-old midfielder Ange Tia (Stade de Reims II) has been impressive, scoring two goals in two qualifying matches, and is expected to retain his spot in the starting eleven. Paris FC striker Lassine Sinayoko, who has netted 10 goals for Mali since his debut in September 2021, will spearhead the attack. Aliou Dieng and summer signing Mamadou Sangare from Brentford are likely to anchor the midfield.

Da Silva is expected to field a solid and unchanged defensive quartet consisting of Daouda Guindo, Nathan Gassama, Ousmane Camara, and captain Hamari Traore, in front of goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

Predicted Morocco Lineup:
Bono – Salah-Eddine, Boudlal, Diop, E. Ounahi – El Aynaoui, Targhalline, A. Ounahi – Khannouss, Rahimi, Bentayeb.

Predicted Mali Lineup:
Diarra – Guindo, Gassama, O. Camara, Traore – Dieng, Sangare, Doumbia – Nene, Tia, Sinayoko.

Our Prediction: Morocco 2-1 Mali

Both Morocco and Mali enter the friendly match at the Grand Stade de Tanger full of confidence after their recent qualifying performances, and both nations will be eager to maintain this winning momentum. Anthony da Silva is expected to field a formidable lineup capable of challenging the home defense, but the overall quality and depth of the Lions of the Atlas' squad should ultimately make the difference. We are predicting a narrow victory for Morocco.

Bet on the exact score of 2-1 for a Moroccan victory over Mali, with odds of 8.00 available at Betclic.

As reported by afrik-foot.com.