Morocco are expected to retain much of the team that started their opening two 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches when they face Mali in a friendly on Sunday, 4 October 2026.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 18:00 GMT, with both sides using the fixture to assess their options ahead of future international commitments.
Morocco’s coaching staff are likely to keep faith with the core of the side that secured victories over Gabon and Lesotho. Maintaining that winning structure would allow the team to preserve its understanding and cohesion, although changes remain possible.
Some established players returning from injury could be given minutes, while the technical staff may also use the game to examine alternative choices within the squad.
Morocco’s probable XI
Yassine Bounou is expected to start in goal.
The likely defence consists of Ali Maamar, Issa Diop, Abdelhamid Ait Boudlal and Noussair Mazraoui.
Ayyoub Bouaddi, Neil El Aynaoui and Azzedine Ounahi are the probable midfield three.
Brahim Diaz, Soufiane Rahimi and Yassir Zabiri are in line to lead the attack.
Mali expected to use 4-3-3
Mali are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 formation, a system designed to make use of the team’s main strengths.
A three-man midfield should provide a balance between winning possession and supporting attacks, while the wide players are expected to use their pace and direct running to stretch Morocco’s defence.
The central striker will be used as a focal point for Mali’s attacking moves, giving the Aigles a shape focused on taking the game to their opponents.
Mali’s probable XI
Djigui Diarra is the expected goalkeeper.
Hamari Traore, Ousmane Camara, Souleymane Sagnan and Nathan Gassama are the probable defenders.
The midfield is expected to feature Aliou Dieng, Mahamadou Doumbia and Mamadou Sangare.
Nene Dorgeles and Gaoussou Diarra are likely to operate on the flanks, with Lassine Sinayoko occupying the central attacking position.
The listed 1xBet prices make Morocco the favourites at 1.52 to win. A draw is priced at 3.85, while Mali are listed at 6.80.