Mali vs Zambia AFCON 2025 (Group A)

Mali and Zambia meet in one of the key opening matches of Group A at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. This fixture provides both teams with an early opportunity to establish momentum in a competitive group that also includes hosts Morocco and Comoros. With only three group games to secure a knockout spot, a positive result here is vital.

Date: Monday, 22 December 2025

Kick-off: 14:00 GMT

Venue: Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco

Team Form and Tournament Campaigns

• Mali enter the match with a well-regarded squad and are often viewed as one of the strong “dark horse” contenders in Group A. Their qualification campaign was notable for defensive solidity, with one of the best defensive records in their section, and their recent form includes several competitive results leading into the tournament.

• Zambia, the 2012 AFCON champions, qualified impressively by topping their qualification group. Despite this success, Zambia’s recent international form has been inconsistent, particularly in matches outside qualification, and they will be eager to rediscover the clinical attacking edge that has defined some of their best continental performances.

  
  

Tactical Outlook

• Mali are expected to balance a disciplined defensive foundation with fluid forward play. Their midfield, often built around athletic European-based players, is likely to dictate tempo and provide structure. Offensively, Mali rely on direct attacking threats and intelligent runs in behind the defence.

• Zambia typically set up to counter-attack, using pace and width to unsettle opponents. Their success will depend on quick transitions and exploiting space on the flanks, with key creative outlets responsible for unlocking Mali’s compact shape.

  
  

Key Players to Watch

• Yves Bissouma & Amadou Haidara (Mali midfield): These central midfielders bring control, energy, and distribution that could shape possession phases and suppress Zambia’s attacking impetus.

• Patson Daka (Zambia): Zambia’s most prolific attacking outlet, whose pace and movement will challenge Mali’s back line.

  
  

Predictions and Tactical Expectations

Bookmakers and statistical models widely see Mali as favourites, reflecting their structural balance and form consistency, with odds suggesting a narrow win is probable. Zambia will aim to disrupt this by sitting compact and probing on the break, but Mali’s blend of control and attacking quality could prove decisive. Many previews forecast this Mali vs Zambia Afcon match to be a low to medium-scoring game with Mali securing the points.