Morocco face Mali in one of the most exciting clashes of matchday two of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday.
The host country beat Comoros 2-0 in their opening game, while Mali were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia.
Match preview
Morocco produced a dominant performance against Comoros, although they only managed to break down their 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 points.
Mali 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. However, Patson Daka’s historic 92nd-minute equaliser scuppered their hopes of victory.
Mamadou Sangare was brilliant for the Eagles in the fixture, completing six dribbles and recording seven tackles.
Head-to-head
Morocco have won nine and drawn five of their previous 20 meetings with Mali.
Team news
Morocco 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 will be boosted by 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
Morocco should dominate possession, but Mali will provide a sterner test than Comoros. We predict a 2-1 win for the host nation.
Stats from cafonline.com.
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