Mali Missed Everything, Zambia Took Everything That Mattered

Mali Take Control from the Start

Mali began their Group A clash with Zambia on the front foot, controlling possession and setting the tempo from the opening whistle. Their pressing pinned Zambia deep, forcing mistakes and fouls, but despite the dominance, clear chances were difficult to convert.

Zambia struggled to build any attacking rhythm and spent most of the first half defending their own penalty area. Mali moved the ball well through midfield, but the final pass often lacked precision as frustration slowly grew.

Penalty Miss Changes the Mood

Mali were handed a golden opportunity in the 41st minute when Dorgeles Nene was brought down inside the box. El Bilal Touré stepped up with the chance to give his side a deserved lead, but his penalty was missed, leaving the score level at the break.

The miss proved costly. Instead of heading into halftime ahead, Mali allowed Zambia to regroup and gain belief, even though their attacking threat remained limited.

Breakthrough Finally Arrives

Mali resumed control after the interval and were rewarded just before the hour mark. From a corner kick, the ball eventually fell to Lassine Sinayoko, who showed composure to finish calmly with his right foot and finally break Zambia’s resistance.

At that point, Mali appeared on course for a controlled victory. They continued to create half-chances, including another header from Touré, but once again failed to kill the game.

Daka Punishes Mali Late

Zambia grew into the contest after falling behind and began pushing higher up the pitch. Their pressure paid off when star striker Patson Daka found space and struck a dramatic equaliser, silencing Mali’s momentum and rescuing a vital point.

The result leaves Group A finely balanced. Zambia will face Comoros on Friday the 26th, while Morocco prepare for a decisive clash with Mali on the same day in what promises to be a pivotal encounter.