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AFCON PREVIEW: Zambia looking to extend impressive record against Mali
Reading Time: 4min | Mon. 22.12.25. | 09:37
With Morocco likely vying for the top spot in Group A, this encounter could prove decisive in the battle for second place and advancement to the knockout stage
Mali and Zambia will open their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaigns when they meet at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, on Monday, in what promises to be a crucial Group A clash.
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Both sides enter with distinct ambitions: the Eagles aim to secure their first-ever AFCON title, while the Copper Bullets look to build on their solitary continental triumph in 2012.
The West Africans have a rich history in the tournament, with a runner-up finish and two bronze medals to their name, but the coveted title has so far eluded them.
Mali enters Morocco with a talented squad and high hopes, aware that a strong start against Zambia could set the tone for the rest of the competition.
Despite their confidence, the Eagles know the tournament often delivers surprises. History serves as a reminder, with Mali suffering a 4–0 defeat to the Copper Bullets in the 1994 edition in Tunisia.
Recent encounters also favour Zambia slightly, with Mali winning only once in their last six meetings against the Chipolopolo, who claimed two victories and three draws.
Mali have shown promising form ahead of the tournament, winning three of their last five games and losing only once, highlighting a balanced and confident style of play.
While the team narrowly missed out on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, finishing third in their qualifying group with 18 points from 10 matches, they now turn their full focus to AFCON.
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma will be one to watch, though Mali’s medical team will be monitoring his fitness closely due to a lingering injury.
Midfielder Aliou Dieng has voiced the team’s ambition: winning the country’s first continental crown. “The goal is clear. We have never won a continental title, so this year we definitely want to earn the star,” Dieng stated.
Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has admitted that the team’s preparations for the tournament have not been ideal. “Recent changes have disrupted our buildup. We have not had a full training camp or the opportunity to play friendly matches, so preparation has fallen short,” he said.
Despite the challenges, Saintfiet remains confident in his squad. “I have complete faith in my players. We have been working together for fifteen months and have achieved strong results. I know this team very well and trust both my players and my staff completely. We will be ready for this competition.”
The Chipolopolo, winners in 2012, return to AFCON with renewed purpose. After missing out on three recent editions, they topped their qualifying group and now hope to make their mark in Morocco.
Starting against Mali rather than hosts Morocco is viewed as a favourable opening fixture, considering their strong record against the West Africans.
Zambia will be led by Moses Sichone, promoted to head coach following the departure of former Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
This marks Sichone’s first tournament in charge, though he is no stranger to the national team setup, having served as Grant’s assistant. Speaking ahead of the match, Sichone said:
“AFCON is a huge competition. I have played in this tournament, and I understand how important it is. The message to the players is clear: represent over 20 million Zambians back home and make your own history.”
Sichone has praised his squad’s commitment and preparation during the pre-tournament camp in Murcia, Spain, and believes the youthful team can rise to the challenge of Group A, which also includes hosts Morocco and Comoros.
Officially, Mali and Zambia have only met once in the last two decades, a 0-0 draw in the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN). While that result provides little guidance for the upcoming clash, the historical context of their encounters, combined with Zambia’s slightly better recent record, adds intrigue to Monday’s fixture.
With Morocco likely vying for the top spot in Group A, this encounter could prove decisive in the battle for second place and advancement to the knockout stage.
