Tom Saintfiet’s African Cup continues: Mali, narrowly, qualified for the round of 16. It’s just one point away.
Almost everything could still happen in this Group A of the African Cup of Nations. Mali faced the Comoros, and a victory pretty much ensured the winner’s qualification. But there was none (0-0), in a match dominated by the Eagles of Mali.
But Tom Saintfiet’s team was also very scared against the Comoros of Rafiki Saïd (Standard). Worse: in the 88th minute, Haïdara was sent off, offering a few minutes of stress and a few opportunities to make it 1-0 to the Comoros.
Mali, however, held on and had a third draw in a row in this group stage. Just enough to grab second place and qualify for the round of 16 of the CAN, even if more will have to be done later to get a result in this competition.
Morocco puts on a show
Almost assured of qualification, Morocco however had to make up for it after conceding the tie against Mali, and put on a show against Zambia (0-3). Ayoub El Kaabi, already the author of a marvel on the opening day, did it again: the Olympiakos striker scored a double… including a new acrobatic recovery.
🚨🇲🇦⚽️ IN PICTURES | HE DID IT AGAIN TO US! Ayoub El Kaabi once again signs a spectacular SCISSOR RETURN in this CAN.
It’s nothing, it’s Moroccan… ✨🇲🇦pic.twitter.com/h8IcGClxeV
— AlertesInfos (@AlertesInfos) December 29, 2025
With this victory, Morocco secured first place in the group and upheld its rank in this CAN at home. The Atlas Lions are one of the big favorites of the competition.
