Morocco are expected to retain most of the players involved in their opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers when they face Mali in a friendly on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
The match will kick off at 18:00 GMT, with Morocco aiming to build on victories over Gabon and Lesotho while continuing to develop their squad ahead of their next competitive fixtures.
The Moroccan coaching staff are likely to preserve the core of the team that delivered those two wins. Maintaining the same structure should help the players retain their understanding and cohesion, although some changes remain possible.
Players returning from injury could be given game time, while the coaching staff may also use the fixture to assess alternative options. The match therefore offers Morocco an opportunity to combine continuity with further experimentation.
Morocco’s probable XI
Yassine Bounou is expected to start in goal, with Ali Maamar, Issa Diop, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal and Noussair Mazraoui forming the defence.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi are the likely midfield trio. Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi and Yassir Zabiri are set to lead the attack.
Morocco probable line-up: Yassine Bounou; Ali Maamar, Issa Diop, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal, Noussair Mazraoui; Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui, Azzedine Ounahi; Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi, Yassir Zabiri.
Mali are expected to use a 4-3-3 formation, a system designed to make the most of their attacking qualities. Their midfield three should combine defensive recovery work with forward movement, giving the side a balance between protection and progression.
The wide players are likely to provide pace and direct running, with the aim of stretching Morocco’s defence. The central striker should operate as a focal point and provide an outlet for Mali’s attacks in a shape built to threaten going forward.
Mali’s probable XI
Djigui Diarra is the expected goalkeeper. Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan and Nathan Gassama are set to make up the back four.
Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia and Mamadou Sangare are the probable midfielders, while Nene Dorgeles and Gaoussou Diarra are expected to support Lassine Sinayoko in attack.
Mali probable line-up: Djigui Diarra; Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan, Nathan Gassama; Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia, Mamadou Sangare; Nene Dorgeles, Lassine Sinayoko, Gaoussou Diarra.
