Mali end Morocco’s winning streak with spirited performance in 1-1 draw
Result: Morocco 1-1 Mali (Diaz 45+5′ pen: Sinayoko 64′ pen)
Real Madrid star Díaz brought the game into life when he stung the gloves of Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra in the 16th minute before Ismail Saibari’s follow up attempt sailed wide off the crossbar.
Mali responded with an effort of their own when Mamadou Sangare took aim from distance in the 24th minute.
However, it was the hosts who nicked ahead after Diaz drew a penalty following sustained Moroccan pressure.
The forward found himself in Mali’s box after beautiful work down Morocco’s right flank before Nathan Gassama was adjudged to have handled the ball following a VAR check.
Morocco’s poster boy Díaz made no mistake from the spot with his second goal of the competition to put the hosts in control at the break.
Mali found a way back into the game after the restart when Sinayoko fired the Eagles level from 12 yards following a VAR review, ending Morocco’s run of 10 consecutive games without conceding a goal.
Walid Regragui shuffled his pack as Morocco desperately chased a winner to join Egypt in the round of 16.
The gamble almost paid off when substitute Youssef En-Nesyri found an opening in the box but could only fire straight at Mali’s Diarra.
Mali held their own as Morocco threw a sea of bodies forward for a winner.
Morocco now move to four points after two games while Mali join Zambia on two points in group A.
The Atlas Lions will face Zambia on December 29 to confirm their spot in the last 16 while Mali take on Comoros
Man of the match: Neil El Aynaoui (Morocco)