Mali fight back to hold Morocco to 1-1 draw in Tangier friendly

Morocco were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali in a competitive friendly at the Grand Stade de Tanger on Sunday, 4 October.

The Atlas Lions led at half-time after Abdessamad Ezzalzouli converted a first-half penalty, but Mali equalised late through Gaoussou Diarra to earn a share of the spoils.

Morocco were awarded the spot-kick in the 33rd minute after Cheick Keita was penalised for a foul on Ezzalzouli. The winger took responsibility and sent Mamadou Samassa the wrong way to put the hosts in front.

Both sides created opportunities during an evenly contested opening period, but neither was able to add to the score before the interval.

The teams made several changes after the restart, with Mali increasingly focused on finding a way back into the match. The Eagles posed the greater threat during the final quarter of the game and eventually found their reward in the 77th minute.

Diarra finished with his left foot after Amadou Dante delivered a cross at the end of a set-piece move, bringing Mali level.

Both teams pushed for a winning goal in the closing stages. Mali attempted to complete the comeback, while Morocco sought to regain the lead, but neither side could break the deadlock again.

The match ended 1-1 after an open and closely fought encounter.