Morocco’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign continued to gather steam on December 26, 2025, as the host nation took a slender 1-0 lead over Mali into halftime at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. With the crowd buzzing and vuvuzelas echoing through the night, it was Brahim Díaz who once again stepped up for the Atlas Lions, converting a dramatic penalty in first-half stoppage time after a VAR review for handball. The goal not only sent the home supporters into raptures but also underlined Díaz’s growing importance to this Moroccan side as they seek continental glory on home soil.
From the opening whistle, the energy in Rabat was electric. Morocco, buoyed by their recent 2-0 victory over Comoros and the adulation of their fans, looked to assert their authority early. The numbers told the story: Morocco controlled 63% of possession in the first half, dictating the tempo and rhythm against a Mali side content to defend deep and hit on the counter. The Atlas Lions’ midfield, orchestrated by the ever-composed Díaz, probed for openings as they sought to break down a compact Malian defense.
Mali, for their part, matched Morocco’s intensity and refused to be overawed by the occasion. The Eagles, led by their disciplined backline, managed to limit Morocco’s clear-cut chances despite conceding more of the ball. Still, the visitors struggled to turn their own spells of possession into any meaningful threat, with most of their attacks fizzling out before reaching the final third. The first half was a chess match—one where patience, discipline, and a touch of brilliance were always likely to make the difference.
That difference arrived in the dying moments of the opening period. As the clock ticked into the fifth minute of added time, Morocco pressed forward one last time. Díaz, drifting between the lines as he had done all half, darted into the penalty area. Malian defender Gassama, desperate to stop the Real Madrid midfielder’s advance, was adjudged to have handled the ball inside the box after a VAR intervention. The referee pointed to the spot, and the stadium collectively held its breath.
Displaying trademark composure, Díaz stepped up and coolly slotted the penalty home, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. According to multiple sources, the goal was timed at the 45th +5 minute, capping off a first half where Morocco’s dominance in possession finally paid dividends. As the teams walked off the pitch, the Atlas Lions held a deserved but fragile advantage, with Mali still very much in the contest and everything to play for after the break.
The significance of Díaz’s contribution cannot be overstated. Already hailed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for his performance in Morocco’s opener against Comoros—where he scored and was named Man of the Match—Díaz has quickly become the heartbeat of this Moroccan side. His ability to glide between midfield and attack, coupled with his relentless movement and demand for the ball, has unsettled opposing defenses and provided the Atlas Lions with a creative spark. "I feel at home. I feel very comfortable, and I know people love me. I always want to give my maximum for Morocco, because without them I wouldn’t be here. I am very happy to represent my country," Díaz told CAF after his standout display in the group’s first match.
Morocco’s tactical approach in the first half was clear: dominate possession, stretch the Malian defense, and patiently wait for the right moment to strike. The home side’s 63% share of the ball reflected their intent to control proceedings, while their willingness to press high and force errors kept Mali pinned back for long stretches. Yet, for all their dominance, Morocco found it difficult to carve out clear opportunities, a testament to Mali’s defensive organization and discipline.
Mali, meanwhile, will be ruing the timing and manner of the penalty. Having weathered the Moroccan storm for much of the half, the Eagles had looked set to reach halftime on level terms before Gassama’s unfortunate handball tipped the balance. Still, the visitors showed enough resilience and composure to suggest they remain a threat, particularly if they can find a way to transition more effectively from defense to attack in the second half.
The stakes for this match were always high. With Morocco provisionally through to the round of 16 thanks to their halftime lead, the pressure is squarely on Mali to respond. The Atlas Lions, who last lifted the AFCON trophy in 1976, are eager to make a statement in front of their home fans and build momentum as the tournament progresses. Mali, a team with a proud footballing tradition but still searching for their first continental title, know that a positive result in Rabat could be the catalyst for a deep run in this year’s competition.
As the second half looms, all eyes are on how both coaches will adjust. Will Morocco continue to press for a second goal, or will they look to protect their advantage and hit Mali on the break? Can Mali find the attacking impetus needed to break down a well-drilled Moroccan defense? The answers to these questions will go a long way in determining the outcome of this intriguing Group A clash.
The atmosphere inside Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium remains charged, with Moroccan fans daring to dream of another famous AFCON campaign on home soil. The hosts have shown both quality and composure so far, but with only a single goal separating the two sides, the match is far from settled. Mali’s Eagles are wounded but not out, and with forty-five minutes still to play, anything can happen under the Rabat lights.
As play resumes, Morocco’s lead stands as a testament to their first-half dominance and Brahim Díaz’s growing legend. Yet, with the drama of the Africa Cup of Nations in full swing, both teams know that fortunes can change in an instant. The second half promises more twists, tension, and—perhaps—a few more heroes before the final whistle blows.
