AFCON 2025: Sinayoko’s penalty ends Morocco’s winning run as Comoros share spoils against Zambia

The Chipolopolos of Zambia and the Coelacanths of Comoros each missed a huge opportunity to win all three points when they met to brighten their chances of progressing to the knockout stage of the competition after an uninspiring goalless draw on Friday afternoon.

A few chances were created by both sides, highlighting the poor performance of the two teams on the day.

A win for Zambia could have helped them secure four points after the 1-1 draw on matchday one against Mali.

Comoros was beaten 2-0 by Morocco in their opening game and needed to avoid defeat against Zambia to be on the verge of elimination.

In the evening at Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, Morocco failed for the first time in the year 2025 to win a football match.

Tom Saintfielt, the head coach of Mali ahead of the game, promised not to park the bus as he did with Gambia in 2019, where he narrowly won 1-0 in a friendly over the Atlas Lions.

When his team was announced, he faced the Moroccans with a 5-3-2 formation, contrary to his words at the presser.

Mali went down to Brahim Diaz’s penalty before half-time after proving to be solid at the back.

The Eagles in the second half restored parity through Lassina Sinayoko’s penalty.

Morocco made Mali sit back in the rest of the game, but could not find the needed winner as expected.

Morocco sits on top of Group A, having won four points. They will end their group stage campaign with a fixture against Zambia, who are third in the group with one point.

Mali must record its first win if the tournament over Comoros after two successive 1-1 draws to book a place in the knockout stage. A win for Comoros could ensure a slot in the knockout stage if Morcco defeat Zambia.