Mali v Zambia preview
Mali and Zambia will get their Africa Cup of Nations campaigns underway when they meet at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Monday in Group A.
Both sides arrive in Morocco eager to make a statement, with Mali targeting a long-awaited maiden AFCON title and Zambia aiming to rekindle memories of their historic triumph in 2012.
Mali enter the tournament knowing the importance of starting strongly against a former champion if they are to set the tone for a deep run in the competition.
Despite producing several talented generations over the years, the Eagles have often fallen short at the final hurdle on the continental stage, finishing runners-up once and claiming bronze medals on two occasions.
On paper, Mali boast a squad capable of competing with the best in Africa, but the Cup of Nations is renowned for its unpredictability, and past encounters with Zambia serve as a reminder of that danger.
Most notably, Mali suffered a heavy 4-0 defeat to the Chipolopolo at the 1994 tournament in Tunisia, and results since then have also favoured Monday’s opponents.
Indeed, Mali have won just one of the last six meetings between the sides in all competitions, with Zambia recording two victories and three draws over that period.
Zambia arrive at AFCON 2025 with quiet confidence, even if they are widely viewed as outsiders across the continent.
After lifting the trophy in 2012, the Chipolopolo failed to qualify for three successive editions of the tournament, but topping their qualifying group has restored belief ahead of this campaign.
Facing Mali rather than tournament hosts Morocco in their opening match will be seen as a favourable draw, particularly given their strong recent record against the West Africans.
Mali v Zambia team news
Mali have introduced several fresh faces into their squad, including Kamory Doumbia, who has emerged as a key figure for his country, suffering just one defeat in 11 matches when finding the net.
There is, however, a fitness concern surrounding Yves Bissouma, with the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder battling an injury ahead of the opener.
Mamadou Samassa is expected to start in goal, while Fenerbahce attacker Nene Dorgeles is likely to lead the line for Tom Saintfiet’s side.
Zambia will look to Leicester City striker Patson Daka to shoulder much of the goalscoring responsibility in Morocco.
Kennedy Musonda, who plays his club football in Israel with Hapoel Ramat Gan, is also in contention to partner Daka in attack.
Mali v Zambia predicted lineups
Mali starting XI: Samassa; Dante, Fofana, Niakate, W. Coulibaly; Dieng, Sangare; L. Doumbia, Nene Dorgeles; Toure
Zambia starting XI: Mulenga; Bandar, Musonda, Chanda, Hamansenya; Phiri, Simunkonda, Chaiwa, Sakala; Kangwa, Daka
How to watch Mali v Zambia: TV channel, live online stream
Kick-off on Monday is at 14:00 GMT (09:00 ET / 06:00 PT). In the UK, live AFCON 2025 coverage is on Channel 4. In the USA, beIN Sports is the tournament broadcaster.
Online live streaming is available on a vast range of devices through Channel 4’s website and app and the beIN Sports app.
Mali v Zambia stats
- Mali are seeking their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title
- Zambia won their only AFCON title in 2012
- Mali have won just one of their last six meetings with Zambia
- Zambia finished top of their AFCON 2025 qualifying group
- Mali have reached the AFCON final once in their history
- This is the first AFCON meeting between the sides since 1994