The substitution of the “Atlas Lions” star Ibrahim Diaz in the 70th minute of Morocco’s match against Mali, which ended in a 1-1 draw, sparked much controversy among fans and sports analysts, as the Moroccan national team needed a second goal to secure victory and early qualification to the round of 16 as group leaders.
It was noted that despite being substituted, Diaz left the pitch calmly and without showing any discontent, while Moroccan fans struggled to understand the coach’s decision.
For its part, the technical staff justified his substitution by pointing to an upcoming third match against Zambia, in which the Moroccan national team seeks to secure qualification and top spot, in addition to Diaz receiving a yellow card in the first match, which puts him at risk of suspension if he receives a second booking.
Ibrahim Diaz, the Real Madrid star, won a penalty and successfully converted it himself, giving the “Atlas Lions” the lead before the Mali national team managed to equalize later.
In the first match, where Morocco won 2-0 against Comoros, the Real Madrid star also shone and scored a goal, currently placing him among the tournament’s top scorers with two goals, alongside others.
Diaz’s exceptional numbers with the Moroccan national team were highlighted, as he has scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 17 international matches.
Diaz wears the number 10 shirt and is the designated penalty and set-piece taker, both direct and indirect.
It is worth noting that Diaz was the top scorer of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers with 7 goals.
The Moroccan national team hopes that Diaz, with his vast experience and high capabilities, will provide a strong boost in the upcoming match against Zambia, to secure the top spot in the group and ensure qualification for the knockout stages.
Morocco
Morocco is a North African country with a rich history shaped by indigenous Amazigh (Berber) cultures, Arab influence from the 7th century, and successive dynasties like the Almoravids and Almohads. Its cultural sites, such as the ancient city of Fez and the Koutoubia Mosque in Marrakech, reflect this blend of Arab, Islamic, and Amazigh heritage. The country is also known for its well-preserved medinas, kasbahs, and the historic crossroads of trade and culture in cities like Casablanca and Tangier.
Mali
Mali, located in West Africa, was the heart of several powerful empires, most notably the Mali Empire (c. 1235–1670), which became renowned for its wealth, trade networks, and centers of Islamic scholarship like Timbuktu. Today, the country is home to significant UNESCO World Heritage sites, including the ancient cities of Timbuktu and Djenné, though many of its cultural treasures have faced threats from conflict and environmental degradation.
Zambia
Zambia is a landlocked country in southern Africa, historically home to various Bantu-speaking groups before coming under British colonial rule as Northern Rhodesia in the late 19th century. It gained independence in 1964 and is renowned for its vast natural resources, particularly copper, and as the home of the spectacular Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage site shared with Zimbabwe.
Comoros
The Comoros is an archipelago nation in the Indian Ocean, with a history shaped by a blend of African, Arab, and French influences. Its cultural sites, such as the historic medina of Moroni and ancient sultanate palaces on the island of Anjouan, reflect this diverse heritage and the legacy of Swahili trading settlements and later European colonization.
Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is the premier international men’s football competition in Africa, first held in 1957. It was founded to unite African nations emerging from colonialism and is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The tournament is held every two years and has grown to feature 24 national teams competing for the continent’s top prize.
Real Madrid
Real Madrid is a professional football club based in Madrid, Spain, founded in 1902. It is one of the world’s most successful and widely supported clubs, historically renowned for its European dominance, particularly during the 1950s and its record number of UEFA Champions League titles.
Atlas Lions
The Atlas Lions is the nickname for the Moroccan national football team, derived from the Barbary lions that once inhabited the Atlas Mountains. The team gained significant international recognition during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where they became the first African and Arab nation to reach the tournament’s semi-finals.
