• “We controlled the ball, created chances, and opened the scoring”

Walid Regragui, coach of the Moroccan national team, confirmed that the “atlantic lions” deserved to win against mali in the match that brought them together on friday, 26 december 2025, in the african cup of nations competitions, but they paid the price for “a simple mistake” and had to settle for a 1-1 draw.

Lead then equalizer

The Moroccan team ended the first half leading with a goal scored by star ibrahim diaz from a penalty kick, before conceding an equalizer in the same way following a foul committed by defender jawad el yamiq.

“A simple mistake” and lack of effectiveness

In statements to beIN Sports, Regragui said: “We controlled the ball, created chances, and opened the scoring, and we could have scored another goal, but a simple mistake in the middle of the field brought mali back into the match.”

The coach criticized the lack of offensive effectiveness in front of the goal, emphasizing that “in high-quality matches like this, the few available chances must be exploited, and that is what we did not do today.”

“I am more positive than you”

Despite the draw, which he described as frustrating, Regragui expressed his satisfaction with the overall level and character of the team, saying: “I am reassured… and I am more positive than you.”

The “atlantic lions” look forward to securing the top of group a in the upcoming match against zambia, where Morocco currently leads with 4 points, compared to 2 points each for mali and zambia, and 1 point for the comoros islands.