Rabat: Morocco missed the chance to guarantee their spot in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after Lassine Sinayoko's second-half penalty earned Mali a 1-1 draw with the hosts on Friday. The match was a tale of two spot-kicks, with Brahim Diaz giving Morocco the lead from a penalty deep in first-half injury time and Sinayoko replying on 64 minutes. According to France24.com, the stalemate at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat ended Morocco's world record winning run, which had been extended to 19 matches following their 2-0 victory over Comoros in the tournament's opening game. Despite the draw, Morocco remains on top of Group A with four points from two games, while Mali and Zambia are both on two points. Zambia had earlier played out a goalless draw with Comoros in Casablanca. Morocco is set to face Zambia on Monday, and a victory in that match against the 2012 champions will ensure that the hosts advance as group winners. Morocco midfielder Azzedine Ounahi expressed the team's determina tion to win the next game, stating, "We go into the third game with the same approach, to win the game and finish top of the group." Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, currently recovering from an ankle injury, was again an unused substitute. Among the spectators was Hakimi's former Paris Saint-Germain teammate, Kylian Mbappé, who appeared to be supporting Morocco by wearing a shirt with Hakimi's number. On the field, Brahim Diaz was a key figure, forcing a save from Mali's goalkeeper early in the match and playing a crucial role in winning the penalty that led to Morocco's goal. Meanwhile, Mali's equalizer came after a penalty was awarded when Jawad El Yamiq's challenge brought down Sinayoko. Despite being booked, Sinayoko confidently converted the spot-kick. As the match concluded, Morocco substitute Youssef En-Nesyri was denied by a save, and Mali held on through extended stoppage time, leaving the home fans disappointed.
