Morocco vs Mali: Match preview, head-to-head, team news, line-ups, prediction

Morocco face Mali in one of the most exciting clashes of matchday two of the Africa Cup of Nations at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday evening.

The host country beat Comoros 2-0 in their opening game, but Mali were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia.

Match preview

Morocco enjoyed a dominant performance, as expected, against Comoros, although they only managed to break down the Coelacanths’ defence in the second half.

The Atlas Lions completed 206 passes in the final third — the most at AFCON since 2010 — underscoring their dominance in the fixture.

Brahim Diaz broke the deadlock, but Ayyoub El Kaabi grabbed the headlines with his overhead kick goal, which secured the maximum points.

Mali, meanwhile, were dominant in the first half against Zambia and should have taken the lead from the penalty spot, but El Bilal Toure spurned the chance.

Despite losing control of possession in the second half, they took the lead, but Patson Daka’s historic 92nd-minute equaliser ensured the spoils were shared between both sides.

Mamadou Sangare was brilliant for the Eagles in the fixture, completing six dribbles and recording seven tackles.

Head-to-head

Morocco and Mali have met 20 times, with Morocco winning nine matches, Mali six, and five ending in draws.

Team news

Morocco

The Atlas Lions have received an injury boost ahead of the fixture. Achraf Hakimi has been declared fit, but he is unlikely to start. Romain Saiss is ruled out after coming off with an injury against Comoros.

Mali

The Eagles will also boosted with the return of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma, Hamari Traore and Sikou Niakate.

Predicted line-ups

Morocco (4-3-3): Yassine Bounou, Noussair Mazraoui, Jawad El Yamiq, Nayef Aguerd, Anass Salah-Eddine, Sofyan Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Neil El Aynaoui, Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi, Ismael Saibari

Mali (4-2-3-1): Djigui Diarra, Woyo Coulibaly, Abdoulaye Diaby, Mamadou Fofana, Amadou Dante, Yves Bissouma, Mamadou Sangare, Lassine Sinayoko, Mamadou Doumbia, Dorgeles Nene, El Bilal Toure

Prediction

We expect Morocco to dominate possession, but Mali should provide a sterner test for them than Comoros. Regardless, we predict a 2-1 win for the host nation.

Stats from cafonline.com