Morocco's record 19-game winning streak came to an end on Friday following a 1-1 draw against a resilient Mali in an African Cup of Nations Group A match.
Frustrated fans whistled the hosts off the field after they failed to secure a place in the knockout stage. Despite its status as a big favorite, Morocco could not find a winner in a match dominated by two penalties awarded by the VAR.
The Atlas Lions have now extended their unbeaten run to 22 matches, dating back to their round of 16 exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Although Morocco controlled the first half, they needed a penalty from Brahim Díaz to open the scoring before the break. The penalty was awarded after a VAR review determined that Nathan Gassama had handled the ball while trying to regain his balance after being hit by Diaz.
Thousands of whistling Moroccan fans tried to help referee Abdou Abdel Mefire make a decision as he consulted replays before finally deciding in favor of the home team.
Tempers flared in the second half when Lassine Sinayoko was not awarded a penalty after being brought down by Jawad El Yamiq. Mefire checked the replays a few minutes later and finally awarded the penalty.
Sinayoko duly took the penalty to tie it in the 64th.
The home team pushed hard for a win that would have appeased the home fans, but Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made the difference, denying Youssef En-Nesyri a goal and also preventing an own goal from Woyo Coulibaly.
French star Kylian Mbappé attended the match, reportedly at the invitation of his good friend, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi, who warmed up but did not play as he awaits his return from an ankle injury.
Zambia drew 1-1 with Comoros in the first match of Group A after both lost their openers.
Mohamed Salah scored again for Egypt's 10 men in the Pharaohs' 1-0 victory over South Africa as his team became the first to reach the AFCON knockout stage.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.
