Morocco Draws with Mali

Morocco's national team, the Atlas Lions, drew with Mali in a friendly match on Sunday. The match was played at the Grand Stade de Tanger, with Morocco's midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi saying the team was ready for the encounter.

Bouaddi acknowledged the challenge posed by Mali, but expressed confidence in his team's abilities. He also praised the Moroccan fans, saying they consistently support the team both at home and abroad.

The friendly match was arranged after Ghana withdrew from the originally scheduled match, citing internal reasons. Morocco had previously won two matches, against Gabon and Lesotho, in their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The match against Mali gave Morocco another opportunity to test their squad before competitive qualifying action resumes. Bouaddi, who recently moved to Manchester City, is among the younger players increasingly involved in Morocco's senior setup.

Morocco's coach, Mohamed Ouahbi, did not blame any individual player for the draw. The team will continue to prepare for their upcoming matches, with the goal of succeeding in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Atlas Lions had completed their final training session on Saturday at the Grand Stade de Tanger, where Ouahbi and his technical staff carried out their last preparations before facing Mali.

Bouaddi said the team will give everything they have in the match, and that the fans' support makes them happy. He also noted that the match against Mali was his first experience in Tangier.