Morocco welcome Mali for a pivotal group stage encounter, at the Africa Cup of Nations on Boxing Day. The game kicks off at 8:00pm and below you can find our match preview and best bets.
- Fantastic Promotions
- Fun Social Media Content
- New Bookmaker
#AD 18+ New customers only. Bet £10+ in a single real-money bet within 7 days of registration to receive £10 in Free Bets credited within 24 hours of qualifying bet settlement. Free Bets Boosts expire 7 days after credit. Stake not returned. Promotional Terms Apply. 18+. Gambleaware.org
Best Bets & Predictions
Morocco’s unparalleled pass accuracy (89.95%) and possession (69.7%), combined with a clean sheet in their opener, make them strong favourites. Our top prediction is a Morocco win, with value also found in the Both Teams to Score market given both sides’ knack for creating big chances. Brahim Diaz offers standout player value if goalscorer markets become available. Here are our best bets for this clash:
| Our Prediction | Odds & Bookmaker | Confidence | Why We’re Backing It |
|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco to Win | 1/2 @ Bet365 (66.7%) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Backing because Morocco’s pass accuracy and clean sheet record set them apart here. |
| Both Teams to Score: No | 1/2 @ Bet365 (66.7%) | ⭐⭐⭐ | Strong trend shows Morocco’s defence has not been breached yet; Mali have struggled for end product. |
Our approach: Start with Morocco to win, add Both Teams to Score: No for accumulator potential.
Odds correct at the time of writing.
Season Form & Standings
2025/26 season to date: Morocco set the early pace with a perfect record, while Mali have shown resilience but are yet to register a win. Here’s how the group looks after one round:
| Team | Pos | P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | +2 | 3 |
| Mali | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
Potential Match-Winners
- Brahim Diaz (Morocco): 91.2% pass accuracy, 100% shooting accuracy, 1 goal in the opener. Creative and clinical – his influence in the final third is unrivalled so far.
- Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco): Known for his movement and ability to convert chances. With Morocco’s creativity (11 big chance assists), he’s likely to get opportunities.
- Dorgeles Nene (Mali): Direct runner, leads Mali’s dribble charts. If Mali are to break through Morocco’s defence, his pace and flair will be crucial.
- Yassine Bounou (Morocco): Clean sheet in the first game, commanding presence – key to Morocco’s defensive solidity.
Head-to-Head: Last Meetings
No previous competitive meetings between Morocco and Mali have been recorded in recent seasons. This adds an extra layer of intrigue, as both sides look to set the tone in a fresh rivalry.
| Date | Score | Competition |
|---|---|---|
| – | No recent matches | – |
Conclusion
Can Morocco’s technical control and defensive record overpower Mali’s attacking threat, or will Mali’s dribbling and chance creation deliver an upset? With Morocco boasting the best passing stats in the competition and a spotless defensive record, we’re leaning towards a home win at 1/2 with Bet365 (66.7%). Expect a disciplined, high-quality contest – and don’t overlook value in the goals markets if Mali’s attack clicks.
Odds correct at the time of writing. Please gamble responsibly.
