Brahim Diaz’s composed penalty deep into first-half stoppage time has given Morocco a 1–0 advantage over Mali at the interval of their Africa Cup of Nations clash in Rabat.
The hosts had dominated much of the opening period without finding a breakthrough until a late intervention from the video assistant referee transformed the complexion of the match.
Diaz, who had been one of Morocco’s liveliest attackers throughout the half, eventually delivered from 12 yards, sending goalkeeper Djigui Diarra the wrong way to spark celebrations around the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The contest began at a brisk tempo, with both sides keen to impose themselves in a fixture billed as one of the highlights of the group stage.
After just eight minutes, Mali’s Yves Bissouma wriggled away from his marker but was unable to keep the ball in play, a moment that briefly threatened to open up the Moroccan defence.
Morocco responded with a spell of pressure that underlined their intent.
Fifteen minutes in, Diaz found himself six yards from goal after a swift move down the flank, but his close-range effort was expertly kept out by Diarra, who spread himself to make a fine reaction save.
Mali then enjoyed a rare foray into the Moroccan half.
In the 25th minute, Mamadou Sangare took aim from the edge of the area, but his rising shot cleared the crossbar and failed to trouble the goalkeeper.
As the half wore on, the Atlas Lions began to tighten their grip on proceedings. In the 40th minute, a well-weighted cross dropped invitingly for Ismael Saibari in the heart of the penalty area, yet his header lacked the necessary accuracy and sailed over.
Three minutes later, Morocco squandered another gilt-edged chance.
Ayoub El Kaabi found room near the penalty spot and met the ball with his head, but his effort drifted harmlessly high, prompting visible frustration among the home supporters.
The defining moment arrived shortly afterwards. In the build-up, there appeared to be a handball by Nathan Gassama inside the Malian box.
Play continued initially as Moroccan players appealed in vain, but referee Abdou Mefire eventually halted the match to consult the video assistant referee.
After reviewing the incident on the pitch-side monitor, the official pointed to the spot, much to the delight of the home side, and cautioned Gassama for the offence.
The stadium held its breath as Diaz stepped forward in stoppage time, the forward showing admirable calm to guide his penalty into the bottom left corner, beyond the reach of Diarra.
#CANALPLUSCAN : Brahim Diaz débloque la situation sur pénalty 🎯 pic.twitter.com/98lVsCf4QZ
— CANAL+ SPORT Afrique (@cplussportafr) December 26, 2025
The goal not only broke the deadlock but also capped a half in which Morocco had created the clearer chances, even if Mali remained competitive and capable of unsettling the hosts on the break.
As the teams headed down the tunnel, the scoreboard reflected Morocco’s slender but potentially decisive advantage.
With Diaz already the hero of the first period, the Atlas Lions will now look to build on that lead after the restart, while Mali face the challenge of responding in what promises to be a compelling second half in Rabat.
