Morocco was forced to share by Mali (1-1). Despite a fairly frigid organization, Tom Saintfiet has struck a major blow.
Winner of the inaugural match against the Comoros (2-0), Morocco wanted to further assert its status as favorite for ‘its’ CAN with this evening’s match against Mali. Walid Regragui thus had a match in the match with Tom Saintfiet, the Belgian coach in charge of the Malian selection.
The Eagles played in a very withdrawn manner, relying on reconversions. But striker Lassine Sinayoko, sometimes supported by Yves Bissoumafound himself alone, facing the four Moroccan defenders.
The Malian defensive organization seemed to be able to hold the team to zero just after the break. But Morocco ended up forcing a penalty in added time. Already author of the opener against the Comoros, Brahim Diaz did it again by causing and transforming this penalty.
Morocco plays with its happiness
With their backs to the wall, Mali slightly put their noses to the window in the second half. And that was enough! Lassine Sinayoko was rewarded for his efforts, hitherto in vain, by winning a penalty in his turn. He also did himself justice to equalize to everyone’s surprise, with the only Malian shot on target of the game (64th, 1-1).
Stung, Morocco then pushed harder and harder in the last half hour. But the Malians remained solid, resisting until the end of ten minutes of added time. After having already shared against Zambia in the first match, Tom Sainfiet’s men won their second point, while Morocco remained first, with four points. Everything will be decided in the last match against the Comoros.
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