"Morocco and Mali stepped up preparations on Thursday as both teams held pre-match training sessions ahead of the first Group A high-stakes clash at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025. Morocco stepped up preparations at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Sale, putting in a focused training session under head coach Walid Regragui as media looked on. Defender Romain Saiss continued his recovery work on an individual programme, while goalkeeper Yassine Bounou trained fully with the squad. Speaking after linking up with the squad, Midfielder Youssef Belammari said the mood in the Morocco camp has been strong from the very start, with players quickly finding their rhythm and settling into a focused, positive environment. Mali's national team also continued preparations, with coach Tom Saintfiet overseeing training. Players worked through tactical exercises as the squad fine-tuned its approach against one of the tournament hosts and favourites. Mali midfielder Mahamadou Doumbia said his side is mentally ready for the clash with Morocco, acknowledging the North Africans as a heavyweight of African football. Despite the challenge, Doumbia insisted Mali remain ambitious, saying the team will give everything in its bid to "lift the trophy and bring it back to Bamako." The Africa Cup of Nations 2025 is being hosted by Morocco, with matches taking place across several cities. Morocco, semi-finalists at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, entered the tournament among the favourites. The competition brings together 24 teams from across the continent."