Mali vs Zambia Preview: Team News & Prediction
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Alongside hosts Morocco and a stubborn Comoros side, Group A of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations consists of both Mali and a Zambia side that are now into a new era.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Mali preview: Often frustrated
Under the management of former Malta and Gambia boss Tom Saintfiet, Mali have some real quality in their squad, particularly in midfield with the likes of Amadou Haidara, Mohamed Camara and Yves Bissouma.
The Malians have often flattered to deceive in Africa, though, albeit they did reach the quarter-finals of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations in early 2024, losing to hosts and eventual winners the Ivory Coast after extra-time.
Zambia preview: New era for Zambia
Former Chelsea boss Avram Grant has recently been replaced in the dugout as Zambia boss, following a disappointing few years since his appointment in 2022, and he has been replaced by former caretaker and assistant coach Moses Sichone.
The Zambians are some way off the team that won the 2012 AFCON under the management of Herve Renard, and their limited squad is expected to struggle in what is a very tough group.
Mali team news: Stodgy midfield
The issue with Mali’s stacked midfield would be that they have a group of players that are all quite similar and that can often lead to stodgy performances – but they do all have to start.
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Diarra; Traore, Niakate, O. Camara, Doucoure; Bissouma; Haidara, M. Camara; Doumbia; Nene, Toure
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Zambia team news: Reliance on Daka
Zambia’s poor squad leaves them limited in terms of what they will do against the Malians, with far too much reliance on Leicester City striker Patson Daka up-front.
Predicted XI (3-5-2): Mulenga; F. Musonda, Sunzu, Chongo; B. Sakala, Banda, L. Musonda, Kangwa, Hamansenya; F. Sakala, Daka
Unavailable:
Questionable:
Mali vs Zambia prediction
Mali have some very talented players, both in midfield and defence, but they have often been quite rigid and stodgy. There will be a hope, though, that more incisive, maverick attackers, such as Dorgeles Nene, Kamory Doumbia and El Bilal Toure are capable of posing much more of a threat. They face what is a poor Zambia side that may improve post-Grant, but it seems unlikely to be a major improvement.
Mali vs Zambia tip: Mali to win & under 3.5 goals
