The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) group stage reaches its thrilling conclusion today, Monday, December 29, 2025, with a high-stakes Group A finale. The "Coelacanths" of Comoros face off against the "Eagles" of Mali at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
While Mali is in a strong position to advance, Comoros finds itself in a "win or go home" scenario. With both teams having everything to play for, this match promises to be one of the most intense of the final round.
Match Details
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Group A, Matchday 3)
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT / 20:00 Local / 22:00 EAT
Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Referee: Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DRC)
The Group A Equation
| Team | P | W | D | L | GD | Pts |
| Morocco | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | +2 | 4 |
| Mali | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Zambia | 2 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Comoros | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | -2 | 1 |
Mali: A win guarantees qualification for the Round of 16. A draw would likely see them through as one of the best third-placed teams, but they would prefer to secure an automatic spot.
Comoros: Only a victory will do. A win would take them to 4 points, which would likely be enough to secure a knockout berth, either as runners-up (depending on the Zambia vs. Morocco result) or as a top third-placed side.
Team News & Key Players
Mali: The Defensive Wall
The Eagles have been incredibly hard to beat, most recently securing a massive 1–1 draw against hosts Morocco.
Key Player: Lassine Sinayoko. The forward is in red-hot form, having scored in both opening matches, including a high-pressure penalty against the Atlas Lions.
Tactical Edge: Mali’s midfield, anchored by Yves Bissouma and Mohamed Camara, is arguably the most physical in the tournament. They will look to dominate the center of the park and choke Comoros’ service to the wings.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Diarra; Dante, Fofana, Diaby, H. Traoré; Camara, Bissouma, Haidara; Dorgeles, Sinayoko, E.B. Touré.
Comoros: Searching for a Miracle
The island nation kept their hopes alive with a gritty 0–0 draw against Zambia, but they have yet to score a goal in this tournament.
Key Player: Youssouf M'Changama. The veteran playmaker is the heart of the team. For Comoros to pull off an upset, his set-piece delivery and long-range shooting will be vital.
Injury Note: Myziane Maolida is expected to start after a minor fitness scare, providing much-needed pace up front.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Pandor; M'Dahoma, Soilihi, Omari, Bakari; Bourhane, Youssouf; Selemani, M'Changama, Maolida; Ibroihim Djoudja.
Head-to-Head: Recent Scars
Mali holds a significant psychological advantage heading into this clash, having dominated the meetings between these two earlier this year.
2025 Meetings: These teams met twice in 2026 World Cup Qualifying (March and September 2025). Mali won both matches 3–0.
Historical Record: In 4 total meetings, Mali has won 3, with 1 draw. Comoros has never beaten the Eagles.
Tactical Breakdown: Physicality vs. Resilience
Mali’s Aerial Dominance
Mali possesses a significant height advantage across the pitch. They will likely target Comoros' backline with high crosses and set-pieces, where Abdoulaye Diaby and Mamadou Fofana are constant threats.
Comoros’ Counter-Punch
Knowing they cannot outmuscle Mali, coach Stefano Cusin will likely set Comoros up in a compact low block. Their best hope lies in the transition—using Faiz Selemani’s speed on the break to catch Mali’s high defensive line off guard.
Match Prediction
Mali is the clear favorite. Their depth, physical profile, and recent history against Comoros suggest they will have too much for the Coelacanths. However, Comoros is famous for its "giant-killing" spirit (as seen in AFCON 2021). Expect a desperate fight, but the Eagles' quality should prevail.
Final Score Prediction: Comoros 0–2 Mali
