France and Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was among the notable figures in attendance as Morocco faced Mali at the Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday during the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The fixture marked Morocco’s second group-stage outing at the tournament, with Mbappe drawing attention after being spotted in a Moroccan jersey bearing Achraf Hakimi’s number 2.
The gesture appeared to be a show of support for the Atlas Lions full-back, who remains a close friend of the French forward.
Mbappe and Hakimi forged a strong bond during their time together at Paris Saint-Germain, and their friendship has endured despite Mbappe’s departure from the Parisian club. Both players have publicly spoken highly of one another on several occasions.
The match also attracted high-profile football administrators, including Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Moroccan Football Federation, and Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football. Moroccan-French comedian and actor Jamel Debbouze was also seen in the stands, proudly wearing a Moroccan jersey.
At halftime, Morocco lead Mali by a goal to nil courtesy of a penalty kick converted by Brahim Diaz.
