Saintfiet admits Mali not satisfied with Zambia AFCON draw

Mali national team head coach Tom Saintfiet has admitted they were left frustrated after Zambia scored late on to secure a 1-1 draw in their opening fixture of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Monday.

Patson Daka’s dramatic stoppage-time header denied Mali what could have been a first win in AFCON 2025. Mali had looked set to claim all three points after dominating long spells of the contest, but a late lapse in concentration allowed Zambia’s talisman to strike at the death and earn the Chipolopolo a valuable point.

Mali had taken the lead courtesy of Lassine Sinayoko, who reacted quickest to a loose ball and smashed a powerful effort beneath the crossbar. However, deep into stoppage time, a lapse in marking proved costly for Mali as Daka rose highest in the box to power home a header.

Mali must not let emotions take over

“The equaliser was very painful. We were aiming to score three goals in this match. Our difficulties began after the missed penalty. We must not let emotions take over,” said Saintfiet after the game as quoted by CAFOnline.com.

“I would have preferred to take all three points against Zambia, especially after controlling the game for 90 minutes. This equaliser felt like a victory for Zambia and a defeat for us. Now we have to prepare properly for the next matches.

“Zambia have good players in midfield and they prevented us from achieving our objectives. Now we will need at least a point against Morocco in the next match. We have to finish second in the group. We said we want to reach the final, and that is still possible.”

Mali will now return to action to face Morocco, who kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win against Comoros, on Friday, December 26 at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.