Morocco replace Ghana with Mali in friendly after Tunisia agreement

The Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) has cancelled Morocco’s friendly against Ghana and confirmed that Mali will take the place of the Black Stars.

The decision follows internal problems within the Ghana national team, with the players reportedly unwilling to travel to Morocco. The FRMF announced the cancellation in a statement on Wednesday and used the same announcement to confirm Mali as the replacement.

The Moroccan federation had been waiting for a response from the Ghana Football Association (GFA) before making a final decision. At the same time, it had been exploring alternative opponents by contacting both Mali and Cape Verde.

The change also required an adjustment to Mali’s schedule. The Eagles were originally due to play Tunisia in Rades on 3 October. According to Ettachkila, that fixture was changed after discussions with Tunisia head coach Mouine Chaabani and with the agreement of the Mali Football Federation (Femafoot).

Mali have made a strong start to their qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, winning both of their matches. They beat Cape Verde 3-1 before securing a 0-1 victory against Liberia.

Morocco have also won both of their qualification games. They defeated Gabon 2-0 in Rabat on 24 September, then beat Lesotho 0-2 in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Tuesday.

The arrangement means Morocco will now face Mali in place of Ghana, while the change has been made with the approval of the Tunisian coaching staff and federation.

Mohamed Ouhabi and his players go into their next fixture top of their group and with confidence boosted by their perfect record so far.