AFCON 2025: Mali vs Zambia preview, prediction, team news and head-to-head

Both countries will be eager to begin their AFCON campaign with a victory, which could be a crucial step towards advancing from the group.

Mali, consistently labelled as potential dark horses in their tenth consecutive AFCON, have recently struggled to justify that title, failing to advance beyond the quarter-finals in the last five editions after achieving consecutive third-place finishes in 2012 and 2013. 

However, recent positive performances leading up to the tournament suggest this year might see them finally break that pattern. 

The Eagles have suffered just one loss in their last five matches, a run of form that supports their impressive record of never having lost an opening game in their 13 previous AFCON campaigns.

Conversely, optimism is scarce for Zambia as they face a challenging Group A journey. They enter the tournament on the back of four consecutive defeats and nine losses in their last ten matches. 

Caretaker manager Moses Sichone faces a monumental task to make Chipolopolo competitive, especially considering their recent tournament history. 

Following their 2012 AFCON fairytale victory, Zambia has since failed to qualify three times and has been eliminated at the group stage in the other four appearances, notably failing to win a single group stage match since their 2012 triumph.

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Mali have not had it easy against Zambia in previous meetings. Across the last five competitive and friendly encounters, Zambia have managed only two wins and Mali just one win, with two games ending in a draw. 

The Eagles claimed their first victory over the Chipolopolo in 2022 following a 1-0 victory in a friendly game. The last time both teams met in a competitive game, they ended up playing a 0-0 draw.

Ahead of this clash, Mali will be without one of their most influential midfielders, Yves Bissouma, who has been ruled out through injury. 

His absence is a notable blow for Mali, as Bissouma provides both defensive stability and ball-carrying ability in the centre of the pitch. 

Zambia, in contrast, approach the fixture with no injury or suspension concerns. With a fully fit squad available, the Zambian coaching staff have the luxury of consistency in selection and tactical flexibility. 

This availability could prove decisive, allowing Zambia to field their strongest possible lineup and maintain options from the bench as they look to exploit Mali’s weakened midfield.

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Mali (4-3-3): Diarra; Traoré, Niakaté, Fofana, Danté; Camara, Dieng, Haidara; Dorgeles, Touré, Sinayoko

Zambia (4-3-3): Lawrence; Mathews, Kabaso, Stoppila, Benson; Miguel, Kings, Lameck; Fashion, Patson, Kennedy

With Mali improving in their tactical discipline but Zambia remaining dangerous on the counter-attack, this AFCON 2025 clash could be very tight. 

Mali possesses superior depth in midfield, and Zambia have a team built for physical games, so we expect a draw in this encounter.