Match report

Mali Draws 1-1 with Zambia in Africa Cup of Nations

Mali
Mali
1–1
FT
Zambia
Zambia
Dec 22, 2025

In a thrilling encounter at the Africa Cup of Nations, Mali demonstrated resilience to draw 1-1 with Zambia. Despite Lamine Sinayoko's early goal for Mali, Zambia managed to equalize just before the final whistle through Patson Daka, ensuring both teams share the points in a match filled with tactical battles and fierce competition.

Key Facts

  • • Lamine Sinayoko scored Mali's goal in the 61st minute
  • • Patson Daka equalized for Zambia in the 90th minute
  • • D. Nene was involved in a VAR-confirmed penalty for Mali
  • • A. Dieng and D. Simukonda received yellow cards
  • • Multiple substitutions were made by both teams in the latter stages of the match

Lineups

Mali

Starting XI

  • 16 D. Diarra (G)
  • 26 W. Coulibaly (D)
  • 5 A. Diaby (D)
  • 15 M. Fofana (D)
  • 3 A. Dante (D)
  • 20 M. Sangare (M)
  • 23 A. Dieng (M)
  • 17 L. Sinayoko (M)
  • 19 K. Doumbia (M)
  • 7 D. Nene (M)
  • 9 E. B. Toure (F)

Substitutes

  • 1 I. Diawara
  • 22 M. Samassa
  • 25 O. Camara
  • 13 F. Doucoure
  • 28 N. Gassama
  • 2 H. Traore
  • 12 M. Camara
  • 11 L. Coulibaly
  • 27 G. Diakite
  • 8 M. Doumbia
  • 4 A. Haidara
  • 24 I. Sissoko
  • 21 G. Diarra
  • 14 M. Camara
  • 18 M. Doumbia

Zambia

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 1 W. Mwanza (G)
  • 2 M. Banda
  • 6 B. Sakala (D)
  • 21 D. Chanda (D)
  • 8 L. Musonda (D)
  • 25 O. Tembo (M)
  • 5 M. Chaiwa (M)
  • 9 L. Banda (M)
  • 17 K. Kangwa (M)
  • 10 F. Sakala (M)
  • 20 P. Daka (F)

Substitutes

  • 16 L. Mulenga
  • 18 F. Mwansa
  • 14 K. Chongo
  • 4 F. Musonda
  • 22 D. Hamansenya
  • 3 O. Chisala
  • 15 G. Kalusa
  • 26 J. Liteta
  • 11 J. Sabobo
  • 28 D. Simukonda
  • 12 W. Chisala
  • 27 E. Mandanji
  • 7 J. Lahne
  • 19 K. Musonda

Timeline

  1. Mali
    39' Mali Var · Penalty confirmed
    D. Nene
  2. Mali
    61' Mali Goal · Normal Goal
    L. Sinayoko
  3. Mali
    65' Mali Card · Yellow Card
    A. Dieng

    Foul

  4. Zambia
    67' Zambia subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Lameck Banda · On: J. Sabobo
  5. Zambia
    67' Zambia subst · Substitution 2
    Off: M. Chaiwa · On: D. Simukonda
  6. Zambia
    69' Zambia Card · Yellow Card
    D. Simukonda

    Foul

  7. Mali
    76' Mali subst · Substitution 1
    Off: D. Nene · On: M. Doumbia
  8. Mali
    76' Mali subst · Substitution 2
    Off: E. Touré · On: G. Diarra
  9. Zambia
    78' Zambia subst · Substitution 3
    Off: F. Sakala · On: K. Musonda
  10. Mali
    86' Mali subst · Substitution 3
    Off: Kamory Doumbia · On: A. Haidara
  11. Zambia
    90' Zambia Goal · Normal Goal
    P. Daka · Assist: M. Banda

Match Stats

Stat Mali Zambia
Fouls 15 13
Pass Accuracy 82% 80%
Offsides 0 2
Red Cards — —
Total Shots 15 7
Corners 6 5
Total Passes 425 375
Yellow Cards 1 1
Blocked Shots 5 2
Shots on Target 5 2
xG — —
Shots off Target 5 3
Possession 53% 47%
Goals Prevented — —
Accurate Passes 350 301
Shots Inside Box 10 6
Saves 1 4
Shots Outside Box 5 1

Key Match Notes

  • ▸ Mali's goal by Lamine Sinayoko shifted momentum in their favor, giving them the lead in the 61st minute
  • ▸ Zambia's late equalizer by Patson Daka in the 90th minute salvaged a point for Zambia, maintaining the match's intensity until the final whistle