Head coach of Mali Tom Saintfiet has expressed satisfaction with the performance of his team after stalemate against Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash.
The highly competitive Group A match, held at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Friday, December 26, 2025 ended in a 1-1 draw.
Real Madrid star Brahim Diaz opened the scoring for the Atlas Lions before the half hour mark after converting perfectly from the spot.
But the Eagles managed to restore parity in the 64th-minute through Lassine Sinayoko, who converted from the spot to force the match to end in a 1-1 stalemate.
Despite failing to secure maximum points, Tom Saintfiet has eulogized his outfit performance in the much-anticipated clash.
The experienced gaffer then criticized officiating after being denied a second penalty against the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
“It’s a shame the referee didn’t see the (second) handball, as it was exactly the same situation as the first penalty. But I am proud of my team.” he said.
Mali has yet to record a win at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, limiting their chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the tournament.
After two games, Mali has one point in Group A and will have to win their final group game to revive their hopes of making it into the knockout stage.
