Hosts Morocco on Friday were held to a 1-1 draw by Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations, ending their world record run of wins and leaving them still to make sure of progress to the next stage.
Midfielder Brahim Diaz tucked away a penalty in stoppage-time at the end of the first half, but Mali equalized from the spot midway through the second half through Lassine Sinayoko.
Both penalties were awarded after video reviews in a tempestuous clash at the end of a busy day of action at the tournament.
Photo: AP
Morocco were atop the Group A standings with four points, while Zambia, who they are to play tomorrow, had two points along with Mali. Comoros were bottom of the group on a single point.
Comoros and Zambia drew 0-0 in Casablanca earlier on Friday.
Morocco had won a record 19 successive internationals ahead of the Boxing Day clash, but the draw brought that to an end and left them still looking unconvincing despite their status as runaway favorites.
Photo: EPA
They had entered the tournament under heavy expectations and even if they did win their first game, they still looked nervy and were fortunate to win their penalty on Friday as the ball brushed the hand of defender Nathan Gassama as he was trying to get to his feet after Diaz’s dribbling had him tumble over.
The kick was only awarded after Cameroonian referee Abdou Mefire went to the pitchside screen, as was the case with Mali’s equalizer in the 64th minute, which Lassine Sinayoko tucked away under the diving body of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Sinayoko had been hacked down by Morocco centerback Jawad el Yamiq, but the referee initially waved play on.
It was the first goal Morocco had conceded in their past 11 internationals.
The home side could have won it in the 78th minute when substitute Youssef En-Nesyri had time to turn and shoot, but his effort was well saved.
Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made an even better stop from his own defender Woyo Coulibaly’s backward header in the final action of the game.
Mali captain Yves Bissouma started the match for his second appearance of the season after having had ankle surgery two months ago and lasted 57 minutes before being substituted, but there was no game time for African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi, whose return from injury is much anticipated in Morocco.
Earlier on Friday, Egypt became the first side into the last 16 when they defeated South Africa 1-0 in Agadir, while the other Group B clash between Angola and Zimbabwe in Marrakech was a 1-1 draw.
BIG NAMES GONE: Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title, reaching semi-finals for the fifth time in six years and finishing second on three occasions Alexander Zverev on Tuesday breezed past Rafael Jodar to stay on course for an elusive Grand Slam title at the French Open, while Jakub Mensik halted Joao Fonseca’s scintillating run in the quarter-finals. Zverev, the highest-ranked player left in the men’s draw, put an end to Spanish teenager Jodar’s impressive Roland Garros debut, easing into the semi-finals with a 7-6, (7/3), 6-1, 6-3 win. The 29-year-old Zverev is the clear favorite for a maiden Grand Slam title. He has finished runner-up on three occasions, including at the 2024 French Open. “I want to win the matches that are ahead of
For some, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the essential spearhead for Portugal’s FIFA World Cup bid, while others believe his presence would prevent Roberto Martinez’s strong side from flourishing. The debate around the five-time Ballon d’Or winner rages on, as it did at UEFA Euro 2024 and four years ago in Qatar — yet Ronaldo endures, ready to play in a record sixth World Cup. The 41-year-old remains a global superstar despite swapping the European elite for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Nassr, and is the leading men’s international goalscorer with 143 strikes. With 25 of those coming in 30 games under Martinez, the coach
Taiwanese sprinter Chen Yi-cen on Friday won the silver medal in the women’s 400m final at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships in Hong Kong, with a time of 53.16 seconds. Chen, 15, was the youngest among the eight finalists, and her performance also met the qualifying standard of 53.50 seconds for the Nagoya Asian Games in Japan in September and October. Chen first made her mark at the National Games in Tainan in 2023, at the age of 13, winning the women’s 400m final in 55.55 seconds to become the youngest gold medalist in the history of the event. Meanwhile,
Liverpool are in advanced talks with former AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola as they seek a replacement for Arne Slot, reports said on Tuesday. Iraola has emerged as Liverpool’s top target to replace Slot, who was sacked on Saturday last week after a turbulent second season in charge. Liverpool have reportedly agreed a deal in principle to bring the Spaniard, who left Bournemouth at the end of this season, to Anfield. Sporting director Richard Hughes was heavily involved in hiring Iraola during his time at Bournemouth and is again spearheading the recruitment of the highly rated coach. The Reds are
RSS