Morocco vs Mali Prediction & Betting Tips (26 December)

In Rabat, at the opening of the competition, Morocco set the table by winning, not without difficulty, against the Comoros by scoring two goals during the 2nd act including a gem by El Kaabi. It was crucial for the Moroccans to start with a victory, they who have not lost in 18 matches in all competitions Arab Cup, African Nations Championship, friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. As a reminder, this selection currently guided by Walid Regragui, has only won the CAN once in its history, in 1976, and remains on an exit in the 1/8th finals in Ivory Coast 2023. Literally surprised, Mali, unable to take cover against Zambia on Monday afternoon, contracted a 1-1 draw with an equalizing goal on the last opportunity of the meeting and the only shot on target conceded.

A huge defensive error as a bonus of a missed penalty in the first period, and here the Malians are already in very great danger in this CAN, they who took the door at the quarter-final stage in 2023. We will also recall the disillusionment of Mali during the qualifying matches for the World Cup, finishing 3rd in their group and deprived of dessert for the summer of 2026. 

More fear than harm, Achraf Hakimi (PSG), after a long fight against time in order to be on his feet for this CAN was indeed called up and even on the match sheet against the Comoros during the first day but not used. A priori, in the group stage, no risk will be incurred by Walid Regragui and his staff concerning the PSG player. The pool is so impressive within this selection. But let's still note the abandonment of central defender Saïss, who was injured against the Comoros. He is replaced by Youssef Belammari (Raja Casablanca). Remember the non-calls of Diop (Nice), Sahraoui (Lille), Amine Adli (Bournemouth), Sannadi (Bilbao, injured) or even Hamza Igamane (Lille, 7 sel, 2 goals), who is a reserve because injured. The experienced Ziyech and Boufal are no longer called up, and Riad (Crystal Palace), injured for a long time, did not recover in time to play the competition. Against the Comoros, Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz (16 sels, 9 goals) was very visible, going for a penalty during the first act but not transformed by Rahimi (Al-Ain), holder on the front of the attack in front of boys like Youssef En-Nesyri (Fenerbahce) or the returnee, El Kaabi (Olympiakos, 48 ​​sels, 18 goals), author of the jewel of the competition. Other elements of La Liga are part of this Moroccan group, starting with winger Ezzalzouli (Bétis) and midfielders Amrabat (Bétis) and Ounahi (Girona).

Mancunian Mazraoui could continue his development as right-back following the Hakimi uncertainty while Marseillais Aguerd could start in the central axis.  Within this Malian selection, Brestois Kamory Doumbia (27 sels, 14 goals) started well as a starter in the middle against Zambia, just like Auxerre's Lassine Sinayoko (21 sels, 7 goals), author of his team's goal during J1. The former resident of Ligue 1, El Bilal-Touré (26 selections, 9 goals) missed his penalty in the first period against the Zambians, terrible considering the final result. Also to be found are winger Dorgeles Nene (Fenerbahce, 28 selections, 9 goals) and midfielder Lassana Coulibaly (Lecce, 50 caps) who did not even come into play in J1. Captain of this team, Yves Bissouma (Tottenham, 42 caps) was called up to play this CAN but his physical condition did not allow him to participate in the first meeting, in the same way as defender Sikou Niakaté (14 caps) and the very experienced right back Hamari Traoré (Paris FC, 59 caps). To everyone's surprise, goalkeeper Samassa (Laval) saw Djigui Diarra (61 sel) start against Zambia. The latter conceded a goal on Zambia's only shot on target. 

• Summary: Morocco is going head to head with Mali starting on 26 Dec 2025 at 20:00 UTC at Complexe Sportif Moulay Abdellah stadium, Rabat city, Morocco. The match is a part of the Africa Cup of Nations, Group A .
• Morocco Feedinco Rating: 6.98
• Mali Feedinco Rating: 6.76