AFCON
Match Preview: Mali vs Zambia – AFCON 2025
Mali and Zambia open their Group A campaign at AFCON 2025 in Casablanca. This clash is rich in history, with Zambia holding the edge in past encounters, while Mali seeks to finally break through and claim continental glory.
Head-to-Head Record
- Total meetings: 6
- Mali wins: 1
- Draws: 3
- Zambia wins: 2
- AFCON finals meeting: 1994 semi-final, Zambia thrashed Mali 4–0 in Tunis.
- Most recent clash: Mali beat Zambia 1–0 in a friendly (2022).
Previous AFCON Performances
Mali (Les Aigles):
- Best finish: Runners-up (1972).
- Other highlights: Semi-finalists in 1994, 2002, 2004, 2012, and 2013.
- Consistency: Regular knockout-stage appearances but never won the trophy.
- Controversy: Eliminated by drawing of lots vs Guinea in 2015.
Zambia (Chipolopolo):
- Best finish: Champions (2012, defeating Ivory Coast on penalties).
- Other highlights: Runners-up in 1974 and 1994; third place in 1982, 1990, and 1996.
- Recent struggles: Group-stage exits in 2013 and 2015, missed three consecutive editions before returning in 2025.
Players to Watch
Mali:
- Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre striker): In fine Ligue 1 form (6 goals, 2 assists in 16 matches).
- Yves Bissouma (Tottenham midfielder): A key pillar, though ruled out of the opener due to injury.
- Hamari Traoré (Real Sociedad RB) & Sikou Niakate (defender): Both absent, weakening Mali’s defense.
Zambia:
Matthews Banda (Nkana) & Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco): Rising stars from the domestic league, adding depth.
Patson Daka (Leicester City striker): 21 goals in 52 caps, the talisman of Chipolopolo.
Fashion Sakala (Besiktas forward): 9 goals in 25 games, explosive but sometimes undisciplined.
Comparison Table
| Category | Mali | Zambia |
|---|---|---|
| AFCON Titles | 0 | 1 (2012) |
| Best Finish | Runners-up (1972) | Champions (2012) |
| Head-to-Head Record | 1 win, 3 draws, 2 losses | 2 wins, 3 draws, 1 loss |
| Key Absences | Bissouma, Traoré, Niakate | Full squad available |
| Star Players | Sinayoko, Bissouma (injured) | Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala |
Outlook
- Mali: Despite missing key leaders, their attacking talent (Sinayoko) could trouble Zambia.
- Zambia: With Patson Daka and Sakala leading the line, Chipolopolo look more balanced and experienced.
- Prediction: A tight contest, but Zambia’s full-strength squad and AFCON pedigree may give them the edge in this opener.
