Mali fightback ends Morocco's record run of wins
Host Morocco was held to a 1-1 draw by Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations ending its world record run of wins and leaving it still to make sure of progress to the knockout stage.
Midfielder Brahim Diaz tucked away a penalty in stoppage-time at the end of the first half but Mali equalised from the spot midway through the second half through Lassine Sinayoko.
Both penalties were awarded after video assistant referee (VAR) reviews in a tempestuous clash at the end of a busy day of action at the tournament.
Morocco tops the Group A standings with four points while Zambia, which is meets next Tuesday (AEDT), has two points along with Mali while Comoros is bottom of the group on a single point.
Comoros and Zambia drew 0-0 in Casablanca earlier in the day.
Morocco had won a record 19 successive internationals ahead of this clash, but the draw brought that run to an end and leaves the host still looking unconvincing despite its status as the runaway favourite.
It had come into the tournament under heavy expectation, and even if it did win its first game, it still looked nervy and was fortunate to win its penalty as the ball brushed the hand of defender Nathan Gassama as he was trying to get to his feet after Diaz's dribbling had him tumble over.
The kick was only awarded after Cameroonian referee Abdou Mefire went to the pitchside screen, as was the case with Mali’s equaliser in the 64th minute, which Sinayoko tucked away under the diving body of Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
Sinayoko had been hacked down by Morocco centre back Jawad El Yamiq, but the referee initially waved play on.
It was the first goal Morocco had conceded in its past 11 internationals.
The home side could have won it in the 78th minute when substitute Youssef En-Nesyri had time to turn and shoot, but his effort was well saved.
Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made an even better stop from his own defender Woyo Coulibaly’s backward header in the final action of the game.
Mali captain Yves Bissouma started the match for his second appearance of the season after having had ankle surgery two months ago and lasted 57 minutes before being substituted, but there was no game time for African footballer of the year Achraf Hakimi, whose return from injury is much anticipated in Morocco.
Egypt remains the only side into the Round of 16 after it defeated South Africa 1-0 in Agadir while the other Group B clash between Angola and Zimbabwe in Marrakech ended in a 1-1 draw.
(Writing by Mark Gleeson in Tangier; Editing by Christian Radnedge)
