Mali have only won one of their six previous meetings with Zambia, but this was the pair's most-recent encounter, a 1-0 friendly victory in Bamako back in 2022.
Their sole AFCON clash to date came in the semi-finals of the 1994 edition, with Zambia cruising to a 4-0 victory in Tūnis, before narrowly losing the final to Nigeria four days later.
Mali vs Zambia preview
Most of the attention in Group A will be on hosts Morocco, but these two teams are both capable of making a deep run at this Africa Cup of Nations. Mali reached the semi-finals at both the 2012 and 2013 editions, before falling in the last eight of the mosts-recent edition, beaten by hosts Côte d'Ivoire, conceding a goal in injury time of extra time in Bouaké.
The Eagles then cruised through qualifying unbeaten, scoring ten goals and conceding only one, but did not make it to the World Cup for the very first time, finishing third in their group, behind Ghana and Madagascar. Neverthless, expirenced head coach Tom Saintfiet boast a talented squad, one that will take some stopping at this competition.
Zambia meantime shocked the world by winning the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Côte d'Ivoire on penalties in the final in Libreville, an upset on par with Denmark and Greece's Euros triumphs. Since then however, the Copper Bullets have not won a single AFCON match, ousted in the group stage on three occasions as well as failing to qualify all together three times too.
Last year, Avram Grant's team drew 1-1 with both Tanzania and DR Congo, before a final matchday 1-0 defeat to Morocco in San-Pédro condemned them to elimination. Zambia did impress in qualifying for this tournament, notably beating Ivory Coast 1-0 in Ndola just over a year ago, but can they now claim that illusive first AFCON win since the 2012 final at Stade Mohammed V on Monday?
Mali vs Zambia head-to-head record
- Matches Played: 6.
- Mali Wins: 1. Draws: 3. Zambia Wins: 2.
Mali team news
Arguably Mali's most high-profile player Yves Bissouma has not played a single minute for Spurs this season due to an ankle injury, but is in the squad, so it'll be interesting to see if he's able to feature.
Alongside, Lassana Coulibaly and Amadou Haidara would form a very exciting midfield trio, while Watford's Mamadou Doumbia will be looking to add to his solitary international goal, having netted against Eswatini during qualifying.
Mali predicted lineup vs Zambia: (4-3-3): Diarra, H Traoré, Nojo, Niakaté, Dante; Bissouma, Haidara, Coulibaly; Bilal Touré, Sinayoko, Nene.
Mali player to watch vs Zambia
El Bilal Touré, currently on loan at Beşiktaş from Atalanta, has scored four Süper Lig goals so far this season, so can he add to his nine for Mali?
Zambia team news
The majority of Moses Sichone's squad ply their trade domestically, albeit a few are dotted around the world. These include Hibs midfielder Miguel Chaiwa, potentially starting alongside veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu of Chángchūn Yàtài, the 36 year old winning his 84th cap.
In attack though is where the Copper Bullets are exciting. Former Rangers striker Fashion Sakala, now of Al-Fayha, is likely to lead the line alongside Patson Daka of Leicester, an electric duo.
Zambia predicted lineup vs Mali: (4-4-2): Mulenga; M Banda, Sunzu, Chanda, Hamansenya; Chaiwa, Musonda, L Banda, Kanga; Daka, Sakala.
Zambia player to watch vs Mali
The aforementioned Patson Daka has 21 international goals to his name, still along way short of Godfrey Chitalu's all-time national record of 79 set in 1980, but the Leicester forward is his team's most-likely match-winner here.
Mali vs Zambia prediction
This Monday afternoon clash in Casablanca should guarantee goals, but we give the slight edge to Mali, meaning Zambia's wait for a first AFCON win in 13 years will go on: Mali 2-1 Zambia.
Mali vs Zambia FAQs - Africa Cup of Nations
How to watch Mali vs Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations on TV channel?
Mali vs Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following TV channels;
- UK: 4seven
- USA: beIN SPORTS, fuboTV & Fanatiz USA
- Canada: beIN Sports Canada, fuboTV Canada & Fanatiz Canada
How to watch Mali vs Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations on live streaming?
Mali vs Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations will be available on the following streaming services;
- UK: Channel4.com & Channel 4 Sport YouTube
- USA: beIN SPORTS CONNECT & fuboTV
- Canada: beIN SPORTS CONNECT Canada & fuboTV Canada
What is the date and kick-off time for Mali vs Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations?
Mali vs Zambia takes place on Monday 22 December 2025, with kick off at 14:00 (GMT), 9:00 (ET) & 6:00 (PT).