Mali and Zambia prepare to go head-to-head in a pivotal Group A clash this Monday, with both sides desperate to prove they can challenge the heavyweights for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title.
While the tournament’s opening focus has been on hosts Morocco, this showdown in Casablanca is being billed by many experts as the real litmus test for two of the continent’s most consistent “dark horses.”
Match details: Time and Venue
Following the tournament’s opening day in Rabat, the action shifts to the coastal city of Casablanca for this high-stakes encounter.
- Date: Monday, 22 December 2025
- Kick-off: 14:00 GMT (15:00 local time)
- Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
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Team News: Bissouma’s big return
The major talking point in the Mali camp is the return of Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Yves Bissouma. Despite a season disrupted by injury in the Premier League, head coach Tom Saintfiet has fast-tracked the playmaker back into the starting XI.
Mali arrive in Morocco with one of the most physically imposing squads in the competition. Alongside Bissouma, RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Monaco’s Mohamed Camara form a midfield trident that many believe is the strongest in the tournament.
Zambia, led by former defender Moses Sichone, will lean heavily on the clinical finishing of Leicester City’s Patson Daka. The Chipolopolo have also integrated fresh blood, with surprise call-ups for domestic stars Matthews Banda and Eliya Mandanji following an aggressive scouting mission in the Zambian Super League.
History favors the Chipolopolo?
While Mali are the higher-ranked side going into the fixture, history tells a slightly different story. Zambia famously beat Mali 4-0 during their run to the final in 1994 and have generally held the upper hand in competitive fixtures.
However, the Eagles of Mali are currently on a 10-match unbeaten run in AFCON group-stage games, a record that stretches back to 2017.
“We are not here to make up the numbers,” said Zambia’s Patson Daka. “People talk about Morocco and Mali, but Zambia has a history in this competition that deserves respect.”
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Where to watch the game
- Global: SuperSport will broadcast the match across sub-Saharan Africa, with Canal+ Afrique providing French-language coverage.
- UK TV: Live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Football (Coverage starts at 13:50 GMT).
- beIN Sports Mena, beIN Sports 2, New World TV, Canal+ CAN, DAZN Switzerland, Free, Sunrise TV, SuperSport Grandstand HD, SuperSport MáXimo 360, SuperSport PSL HD.
