Mbappe shows up for Hakimi as Morocco held by Mali

Real Madrid star Kylian Mbappe was among the spectators at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Friday evening, turning up in a Morocco jersey bearing Achraf Hakimi's number two as he travelled especially to support his close friend during the hosts' second group match of the Africa Cup of Nations. 

According to L'Equipe, the French captain had been invited by Hakimi, with whom he has maintained a strong relationship since their time together at Paris Saint-Germain. His appearance generated huge excitement in the stands of 63,844.

However, Morocco's night ended in frustration as their world-record winning streak came to a halt with a 1-1 draw against Mali, leaving the hosts still short of a guaranteed place in the last 16. Walid Regragui's side had won a record 19 successive internationals before the tournament but were unable to extend that run after being pegged back in the second half.

The match was decided by two penalties. Morocco went ahead deep into first-half injury time when Brahim Diaz converted from the spot after Mali defender Nathan Gassama handled while trying to stop the Real Madrid midfielder. It was Diaz's second goal of the tournament after he had earlier forced a fine save from Djigui Diarra.

Mali levelled on 64 minutes when Lassine Sinayoko went down under a clumsy challenge by Jawad El Yamiq and calmly dispatched the resulting penalty. Morocco pressed late on, with substitute Youssef En-Nesyri denied by Diarra, but Mali held out through 10 minutes of stoppage time.

The draw leaves Morocco top of Group A with four points from two matches, ahead of Mali and Zambia on two, with Comoros bottom. Morocco face Zambia on Monday needing a win to secure top spot. Hakimi, meanwhile, remained an unused substitute as he continues to recover from an ankle injury.