Morocco Switch to Mali After Ghana Friendly Is Cancelled

Posted : 01 October 2026

Morocco have secured Mali as their replacement opponent for an international friendly on Sunday, October 4, after their scheduled meeting with Ghana was cancelled. The match will take place at the Grand Stadium of Tangier during the October FIFA international window.

The Atlas Lions were initially expected to face Ghana as part of their preparations during the international break. However, the proposed fixture was called off, forcing Morocco to find another opponent at short notice.

Mali also needed a new opponent after their planned friendly against Tunisia was cancelled. The Malian Football Federation subsequently agreed to the rearranged fixture, allowing both teams to maintain their schedules during the international window.

The meeting in Tangier will give Morocco coach Walid Regragui another opportunity to assess his squad against African opposition. Mali will also use the game to evaluate their players ahead of their next competitive assignments.

Both teams enter the friendly after positive starts to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaigns. Morocco won their opening two matches, while Mali also recorded victories in their first two qualifiers.

Morocco’s strong qualifying start has placed Regragui’s squad in a positive position ahead of the remaining fixtures. The friendly against Mali will nevertheless provide another test of the team’s preparation and squad options.

Mali have also shown early consistency in their qualifying campaign. The Eagles will now travel to Morocco for a match that offers their coaching staff an opportunity to assess players in a competitive international environment.

The change in opposition means Morocco will face a familiar African rival rather than Ghana. The fixture also allows both national teams to use the FIFA window despite the cancellation of their original friendly arrangements.

For Regragui, the game can provide valuable minutes for players competing for places in the Morocco squad. Mali’s coaching staff will similarly have an opportunity to examine combinations and individual performances before the return of competitive football.

The match is scheduled for Sunday, October 4, at the Grand Stadium of Tangier. Morocco will host the encounter as both teams continue preparations for their respective 2027 AFCON qualifying campaigns.

The rearranged fixture ensures that both nations remain active during the international window. It also gives Morocco and Mali another opportunity to test their squads against African opposition before their next competitive matches.

Morocco Switch to Mali After Ghana Friendly Is Cancelled

ADD A COMMENT :

Hot Topics