Africa Cup of Nations 2025: Comoros-Mali, the likely lineups
Comoros and Mali face off Monday at 8 p.m., at Casablanca’s Mohamed V Stadium, in a challenge that could redraw the balance of Group A of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The two national teams arrive at the final day of the group stage still in the running for the round of 16: the Celacanti must win and keep an eye on the outcome of Morocco-Zambia, which will be played at the same time, while for the Malian Eagles, success would guarantee passage to the trio regardless of what happens in Rabat.
The Comoros come into the fixture with the’urgency to find their first goal in the tournament and with a margin of error now minimized. After a 2-0 loss to hosts Morocco, Stefano Cusin’s (born in Canada to Italian parents, French by adoption) team showed more compactness in the draw against Zambia, but offensive sterility remains a central theme: the national team has not scored in four competitive matches and has conceded eight goals in the same period. The second appearance in the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations confirms the movement’s growth, but the previous two 2025 matches against Mali, both of which ended in a 3-0 win for the latter, outline a particularly complex challenge. Cusin should confirm the eleven that stopped Zambia, focusing on order, density and restarts.
Mali, on the other hand, arrives unbeaten and with qualification within reach after two 1-1 draws against Zambia and Morocco, both signed from the penalty spot by Lassine Sinayoko. Tom Saintfiet’s team showed solidity, personality and management skills at key moments, even breaking the Moroccan hosts’ long winning streak. With a defense that has conceded just four goals in the last six matches and the return of Yves Bissouma to give balance to the midfield, Mali face the challenge with great confidence.
Probable lineups
Comoros (4-3-3): Pandor; Abdallah, Toibibou, Soilihi, Boura; Bakari, Bourhane, Z. Youssouf; M’Changama, Maolida, Said. C.t. Cusin.
Mali (4-2-3-1): Diarra; W. Coulibaly, Diaby, O. Camara, Gassama; Dieng, Bissouma; L. Coulibaly, Sangare, Doumbia; Sinayoko. C.t. Saintfiet.
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