Host country Morocco look to maintain their perfect start to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as they face Mali in round two of the group stage at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday.
An opening-day victory over Comoros saw the Atlas Lions move clear at the top of Group A, while Mali had to settle for a share of the spoils against Zambia in their own matchday one fixture.
Our Morocco vs Mali prediction provides a clear outlook on this contest, with further AFCON betting tips also available.
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Morocco vs Mali prediction: The Atlas Lions aim to maintain perfect start
Key stats:
- Morocco are on a nine-game winning run on home soil, with every match in that sequence ending with a clean sheet.
- Mali have failed to register a victory in five of their last six games away from home (W1, D3, L2).
- Morocco have won 15 of their last 18 matches inside regulation time.
- The North African nation have seen under 2.5 goals in each of their last four AFCON appearances.
Correct score prediction: Morocco 1–0 Mali
A 2–0 success over Comoros in the tournament curtain raiser extended Morocco’s impressive sequence of home victories without conceding, and that trend could continue on Friday with most factors falling in their favour.
A favourable head-to-head history, current momentum and strong backing from the home crowd all tilt the balance towards the Atlas Lions, making them difficult to oppose in this fixture.
That said, the contest may not unfold in a straightforward manner, as Mali arrive unbeaten in their last four outings (W2, D2), while also needing points after letting a lead slip in their 1–1 draw with Zambia.
As a result, a cautious opening period is expected, with a single goal likely proving sufficient to guide Morocco to another narrow success.
Pre-match odds: Host nation favourite by a wide margin
- HOME: 10/21 (1.48) – 67.7%
- DRAW: 13/5 (3.60) – 27.8%
- AWAY: 5/1 (6.00) – 16.7%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are subject to change.
The listed prices underline Morocco’s status as strong favourites, which comes as little surprise given the advantages already outlined for the Atlas Lions, who also sit top of the current FIFA World Rankings.
A 67.7% probability of victory against a side ranked 42 places lower appears justified, while Mali’s 16.7% chance highlights the scale of the challenge facing the Eagles.
Head-to-head: Morocco have been dominant
Morocco have lost just one of their last seven meetings with Mali, winning four during that spell, including a 2–0 triumph in the African Nations Championship final in 2021.
African Nations Championship 07/02/21
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Morocco
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 05/09/17
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Morocco
Africa - World Cup Qualifying 01/09/17
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Mali
Morocco preview: Veteran defender doubtful after opening match injury
Thirty-five-year-old defender Romain Saiss was forced off in the 19th minute against Comoros and remains doubtful for this match, meaning Jawad El Yamiq, who replaced him, could be handed a starting role.
There is also uncertainty surrounding captain Achraf Hakimi, who entered the tournament still managing an ankle issue.
Predicted XI: Bono (GK), Mazraoui, Aguerd, El Yamiq, Salah-Eddine, Ounahi, Amrabat, Saibari, Diaz, El Kaabi & El Aynaoui
Morocco’s last five results:
- 21/12/25: Morocco 2–0 Comoros (W)
- 18/12/25: Jordan 2–3 Morocco (W)
- 15/12/25: Morocco 3–0 United Arab Emirates (W)
- 11/12/25: Morocco 1–0 Syria (W)
- 08/12/25: Morocco 1–0 Saudi Arabia (W)
Mali preview: Key midfielder nears return
Recent reports suggest Mali could welcome back Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma on Friday, having started the tournament sidelined through injury.
Predicted XI: Diarra (GK), Coulibaly, Diaby, Fofana, Dante, Sangare, Dieng, Sinayoko, Doumbia, Nene & E B Toure
Mali’s last five results:
- 22/12/25: Mali 1–1 Zambia (D)
- 18/11/25: Jordan 0–0 Mali (D)
- 12/10/25: Mali 4–1 Madagascar (W)
- 08/10/25: Chad 0–2 Mali (W)
- 08/09/25: Ghana 1–0 Mali (L)
Player to watch: Ayoub El Kaabi
Ayoub El Kaabi came off the bench to score a spectacular overhead kick against Comoros, which could earn him a place in the starting lineup.
The Olympiacos forward has now scored seven times across his last eight appearances for club and country and will aim to carry that momentum into Friday’s encounter.
