Mali vs Zambia prediction, H2H and probable lineups - 22 December 2025
One of the opening round matches of the Africa Cup of Nations will take place on Monday at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, where Mali will host Zambia. Here’s a prediction for the outcome of this clash, with favorable odds for success.
Match preview
Mali are heading into the tournament in strong form and are rightly considered one of the favorites in their group. In their last match ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, Mali played out a 0-0 draw away against Jordan. That goalless scoreline doesn’t tell the whole story—nine goals scored across their previous four official matches highlight the team’s attacking prowess.
The side also stands out for its composure—few fouls, minimal cards, and a disciplined approach to pressing. This gradually wears down their opponents, who start making mistakes near their own goal. In Casablanca, Mali look like the favorites thanks to a resilient midfield and confident work on second balls.
Zambia, on the other hand, are motivated by the urgent need to halt a prolonged slump. Defeats in friendlies against Angola (2-3) and DR Congo (0-2) exposed vulnerabilities at both ends of the pitch and a lack of control in midfield. Tellingly, the “Copper Bullets” have won just two matches out of 14 played this year.
Nevertheless, the team remains aggressive and direct, relying on pace and individual skill up front. This style can create chances in the opposition’s box, but Zambia often concede dangerous set pieces through frequent fouls and disrupt their own rhythm. Against a well-organized opponent, this could prove a decisive weakness.
Probable lineups
- Mali: Samassa, Coulibaly, Niakate, Dante, Fofana, Sangar, Dieng, Nene, Kulibaly, Toure, Dumbia
- Zambia: Mulenga, Hamans, Chanda, Chaiaw, Daka, Sakala, Simukonda, Kangva, Phiri, Banda, Musonda
Match facts and head-to-head
- Mali are unbeaten in their last three matches, keeping two clean sheets.
- Zambia have lost five of their last six games.
- The last meeting between these teams was in September 2022, when Mali secured a 1-0 home win.
Prediction
Given the difference in current form, Mali look like the favorites in this encounter. Their midfield structure and defensive reliability should compensate for any potential attacking struggles. The prediction is a Mali victory in a low-scoring affair.
