By Joshua Kosimbom,
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroun
Morocco and Mali played out a tense 1–1 draw in a match defined as much by technology as by tactics, with VAR interventions shaping both goals and the overall narrative. In front of an expectant home crowd, the Atlas Lions showed long spells of control but were ultimately denied maximum points by a disciplined and mentally strong Malian side.
From the opening minutes, Morocco imposed themselves through structured possession and quick circulation in midfield, probing Mali’s compact defensive block. Brahim Díaz emerged as the main creative outlet, drifting between the lines and testing goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, who set the tone early with a series of confident saves that kept Mali in the contest.
The breakthrough arrived on the stroke of half-time following the first major VAR intervention. After an initial handball appeal was waved away, the referee was called to the monitor and reversed his decision, awarding Morocco a penalty. Díaz stepped up and coolly dispatched the spot kick, sending the stadium into celebration and giving the hosts a deserved lead going into the interval.
The whole of Mali went behind that one. 🇲🇱
Mali’s response after the restart was measured but determined. They pushed higher up the pitch, showed greater aggression in duels, and gradually unsettled Morocco’s rhythm. The turning point came just past the hour mark when Lassine Sinayoko went down in the box under pressure. Once again VAR intervened, this time in Mali’s favour, and the forward converted the penalty himself to restore parity.
The final stages were played at a frantic pace. Walid Regragui introduced fresh attacking options as Morocco pressed relentlessly for a winner, forcing corners, free kicks and late chances. Diarra stood firm, producing a crucial stoppage-time save from Eliesse Ben Seghir’s free kick to preserve the draw during an extended period of added time.
When the final whistle sounded, the scoreline reflected a contest of fine margins. Morocco will regret missed opportunities and their inability to kill the game, while Mali can take pride in their resilience and tactical discipline. Above all, it was VAR that left the deepest imprint on the night, decisively shaping a clash where neither side could claim complete supremacy.
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