Mali and Zambia faced each other this Monday afternoon for the first day of CAN 2025. Both teams started the game timidly, with the Chipolopolos leaving the ball to the Eagles. Faced with Mali’s control of the ball, Moses Sichone’s men opted for the long game aimed at Fashion Sakala in depth. Zambia took advantage of the few signs of feverishness from Mali to try to plant their banderillas through the wings.
In the 41st minute, the 1972 African vice-champions had the opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot, after a foul by Mathews Banda on Nene Dorgeles (37th). El Bilal Touré, however, was unable to convert it. Like Soufiane Rahimi this Sunday against the Comoros, the Malian striker saw his shot, too crushed, pushed back by Willard Mwanza who dived to the left.
Daka responds to Sinayoko
In the second half, the Eagles found the fault. Following a corner quickly played after the hour mark, Touré, alone in the middle, saw his shot blocked by Dominic Chanda. Lassine Sinayoko then appeared, who recovered the ball to send it into the back of the net (1-0, 61st). The Auxerre striker was close to the double in the 85th minute. On a back serve, Sinayoko sped towards the center and fired a right-foot curl that flirted with the top corner.
Mali was unable to find cover as the match drew to a close. Zambia then took the opportunity to equalize in added time. Patson Daka was forgotten by the Malian defense and headed a cross from Mathews Banda to save his team, securing the draw (1-1, 90+2).
