Morocco is undoubtedly one of the teams to beat in the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
However, after their recent encounter, it is clear that Mali successfully neutralised the Moroccan threat despite the overwhelming support of the home crowd.
While Morocco entered the match seeking a victory to secure their spot in the knockout stages, Mali executed a disciplined tactical plan that frustrated the North African giants. Here is how they did it.
Disciplined and well-organised backline
The foundation of Mali’s performance was the defensive partnership of Abdoulaye Diaby and Ousmane Camara.
The duo was exceptional, effectively “pocketing” Ayoub El Kaabi and denying him any clear sights on goal throughout the match.
Beyond their positioning, they displayed great composure by playing out from the back under pressure, while remaining dominant in aerial duels.
Diaby, in particular, was influential at both ends of the pitch; it was his driving run from defence that eventually led to the penalty Mali converted for their goal.
Disruptive physicality and strength
Mali utilised their superior physical presence to dismantle Morocco’s signature fluidity.
By turning the game into a physical battle, they prevented Morocco from building attacks through the midfield. This physical approach was executed with surgical precision.
The backline maintained a rigid shape, allowing them to patrol the final third efficiently without committing unnecessary fouls as Morocco struggled to find a structured rhythm, the once-vibrant crowd began to show signs of frustration.
Collective fight and inclusivity
The saying, “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” perfectly describes Mali’s performance. It wasn’t just a defensive masterclass; it was a total team effort.
Every player on the pitch contributed to the defensive transition, ensuring that Morocco never found the space they needed to exploit.
This high level of work rate and team unity allowed Mali to punch above their weight and secure a vital result.