Mali vs Zambia Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025

The Eagles emerged victorious when they last faced Chipolopolo.

The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is currently underway, and the second match of the tournament will feature Mali and Zambia competing against each other. The game will be played at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco. Both sides will look to commence their campaigns with a win, which makes this game a fixture of utmost importance.

Mali played a friendly against Jordan ahead of this tournament. That game ended in a 0-0 draw.

They qualified for the quarterfinals in the 2024 edition of AFCON and were only eliminated by the eventual champions, Ivory Coast, in extra time. They will be eying further progression in the tournament this time around.

Zambia, on the other hand are coming into this game after suffering three consecutive losses against the likes of DR Congo, South Africa, and Niger. They were eliminated from the group stages in the 2024 edition of this competition. They are expected to struggle to qualify for the next round this time around as well.

Kickoff:

Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Stadium: Mohammed V Stadium

Date & Kick-off Time: Dec 22 – 07:30 pm IST/02:00 pm GMT/09:00 am ET/06:00 am PT 

Referee: Not decided

VAR: In use

Form:

Mali (in all competitions): D-W-W-L-W

Zambia (in all competitions): L-L-L-W-L

Players to watch out for:

Kamory Doumbia (Mali)

The attacking midfielder is one of the most important players for Mali coming into this tournament. He was Mali’s top goalscorer in the CAF 2026 World Cup Qualifiers as he found the back of the net on eight occasions. He can also play a deeper role and operate as a central midfielder.

His long balls, high pressing, and passing are some of his biggest strengths.  

Patson Daka (Zambia)

The Leicester City forward is going to be a key figure in his national team squad. Despite going through a dry patch in front of goal, Daka has cemented himself as the most reliable goal scorer over the years. His anchor play creates spaces for his teammates and allows them to attack the opposition’s box from deeper positions.

Match Facts:

• The last game between these two teams ended in a 1-0 win for Mali.  
• Mali played a 0-0 against Jordan in their last game.
• Zambia lost 2-0 against DR Congo in their last game.  

Mali vs Zambia: Betting tips and odds

• Tip 1: Mali to win – 1.48 by Stake
• Tip 2: Both teams to score – 1.29 by Dafabet
• Tip 3: Expected Goals – Over 2.5 – 1.55 by 1XBET

Injury and Team news:

Yves Bissouma will be the only absentee for Mali coming into this game.

For their opponents, on the other hand, they will have their entire squad available for selection.

Head-to-Head:

Total matches: 3

Mali won: 1

Zambia won: 1

Draws: 1

Predicted Lineups:

Mali (4-2-3-1)

Samassa(GK); Dante, Fofana, Camara, Coulibaly; Sangare, Dieng; Nene, Coulibaly, Doumbia; Sinayoko

Zambia (4-3-3)

Mulenga(GK); Hamansenya, Musonda, Chanda, Banda; Kangwa, Simukonda, Tembo; Sakala, Phiri, Daka  

Match Prediction:

Mali are expected to secure a win and clinch all three points against Zambia.

Prediction: Mali 2-1 Zambia

Telecast details:

India: FanCode

Nigeria: NTA Sports 24, SuperSport

UK: Channel 4

USA: beIN Sports

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