Mali and Zambia played out an exciting 1-1 draw in Match Round 1 of the Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing a display of skill and determination on both sides.
The clash between these two teams provided a riveting contest for the fans in attendance and those watching from afar.
The match kicked off with both teams looking to assert their dominance early on, with Mali showing great composure on the ball and Zambia displaying their trademark attacking flair. The first half saw both sides create several scoring opportunities, but the deadlock remained unbroken as the teams headed into the halftime break.
The second half brought about an increase in intensity as both teams pushed for the opening goal. It was Mali who eventually broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko found the back of the net with a clinical finish, sending the Mali supporters into raptures.
However, Zambia refused to go down without a fight and continued to press forward in search of an equalizer. Their persistence paid off in dramatic fashion as Patson Daka scored a crucial goal in the 90th minute, leveling the score at 1-1 and salvaging a point for his team.
The final whistle blew, signaling the end of a hard-fought encounter between Mali and Zambia. Both teams can take pride in their performances, with Mali showcasing their defensive resilience and Zambia displaying their attacking prowess.
Overall, it was a closely contested match that ended in a well-deserved draw for both sides. The result sets the stage for an intriguing journey ahead in the Africa Cup of Nations, with Mali and Zambia looking to build on this solid start in the tournament.
- Mali will play with Morocco. December 26 at 20:00 (GMT), on Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
- Zambia will play with Comoros. December 26 at 17:30 (GMT), on Stade Mohamed V.
Mali
- Djigui Diarra (6)
- Woyo Coulibaly (6.5)
- Abdoulaye Diaby (7.2)
- Mamadou Fofana (6.3)
- Amadou Danté (6.6)
- Mamadou Sangaré (7.9)
- Aliou Dieng (6.9)
- Lassine Sinayoko (7.6)
- Kamory Doumbia (6.9)
- Nene Dorgeles (7.3)
- El Bilal Touré (6.2)
Zambia
Substitutions:
Mali
- El Bilal Touré (Gaoussou Kyassou Diarra, 76)
- Nene Dorgeles (Mahamadou Doumbia, 76)
- Kamory Doumbia (Amadou Haidara, 86)
Zambia
- Lameck Banda (Joseph Sabobo Banda, 67)
- Changa Miguel Chaiwa (D. Simukonda, 67)
- Fashion Sakala Junior (Kennedy Musonda, 78)
Ball possession:
In a tightly contested match between Mali and Zambia, it was Mali who emerged victorious with a narrow 1-0 win. The battle for possession was closely fought, with Mali edging ahead with 52% of the ball compared to Zambia’s 48%.
Mali’s attacking intent was evident as they recorded 15 shots on target, with 5 finding their way on goal. Lassine Sinayoko was a constant threat in front of goal, showcasing his sharpshooting skills and keeping the Zambian defense on their toes throughout the match.
On the other hand, Zambia managed 7 shots on target, but only 2 troubled the Mali goalkeeper. Dominic Chanda stood out for Zambia with his precision in front of goal, although his efforts were not enough to break the deadlock.
In the end, it was Mali’s clinical finishing that made the difference, with a solitary goal proving to be the decider in a hard-fought encounter. The match was a testament to the competitive spirit of both teams, but it was Mali who emerged victorious on the day.
The result sees Mali secure a crucial win, while Zambia will be left ruing their missed opportunities in front of goal. The fans were treated to an exciting contest that showcased the best of African football talent, with both teams leaving it all on the pitch in pursuit of victory.
Passes:
In a thrilling encounter between Mali and Zambia, both teams showcased their prowess on the pitch with impressive passing accuracy and key plays that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
Aliou Dieng of Mali displayed exceptional control and precision with an impressive pass accuracy of 85% out of a total of 61 passes. His ability to distribute the ball effectively contributed significantly to Mali’s fluid attacking play throughout the match.
On the Zambian side, Benson Sakala demonstrated his composure under pressure with an 84% pass accuracy rate from 51 total passes. Sakala’s accuracy in passing was key in maintaining possession and creating opportunities for his team to capitalize on.
Meanwhile, Lassine Sinayoko of Mali stood out with his creative vision on the pitch, delivering 3 key passes that unlocked Zambia’s defense and put his teammates in dangerous positions to score. Sinayoko’s ability to find the right passes at crucial moments proved instrumental in Mali’s attacking strategy.
Not to be outdone, Mathews Banda of Zambia showcased his playmaking skills with 2 key passes that tested Mali’s defense and created openings for his teammates to exploit. Banda’s vision and execution in delivering key passes added a dynamic element to Zambia’s attacking play.
Overall, the match between Mali and Zambia was a showcase of precision passing and creative playmaking from both sides. The high pass accuracy of Dieng and Sakala, combined with the key passes from Sinayoko and Banda, made for an exciting and competitive encounter that kept fans captivated until the final whistle.
Defense:
In a tightly contested match between Mali and Zambia, defensive prowess took center stage as both teams displayed resolute determination to thwart their opponents’ attacking advances. The clash was a showcase of tactical acumen and disciplined defending, with interception and block statistics reflecting the intensity of the encounter.
Mali’s defensive unit, led by Abdoulaye Diaby with 2 interceptions, showcased a solid performance, accumulating a total of 8 interceptions throughout the match. Diaby’s leadership at the back was instrumental in disrupting Zambia’s attacking rhythm and denying them clear goal-scoring opportunities.
On the Zambian side, Mathews Banda stood out with an impressive tally of 3 interceptions, contributing to Zambia’s total of 7 interceptions. Dominic Chanda also made a significant impact with 3 interceptions, showcasing Zambia’s resilience in defense and their ability to read the game effectively.
In terms of blocked shots, Mali registered 1 block, courtesy of Aliou Dieng, while Zambia recorded 4 blocks, with Dominic Chanda leading the way with 3 crucial blocks. These defensive actions highlighted the determination of both teams to protect their goal and maintain a solid defensive shape throughout the match.
Overall, the match between Mali and Zambia was a testament to the importance of defensive solidity in football, with both teams showcasing their ability to intercept passes and block shots effectively. The defensive battles on the pitch added an extra layer of intrigue to the encounter, ultimately culminating in a hard-fought contest that showcased the defensive prowess of both sides.
Face-to-face:
In an intense and closely contested match between Mali and Zambia, the battle for supremacy was evident not only in the scoreline but also in the face-to-face duels for the ball. The leaders in this aspect were Mamadou Sangaré of Mali, with an impressive 14 face-to-face fights for the ball, and Fashion Sakala Junior of Zambia, closely behind with 7 such battles.
The match kicked off with both teams showing great determination and skill, eager to gain control of the game. Sangaré, the midfield maestro for Mali, showcased his tenacity and work rate by engaging in 14 face-to-face duels for the ball, often coming out on top with his physical presence and calculated tackles. His ability to disrupt Zambia’s attacking rhythm proved crucial in stifling their creative outlets.
On the other side, Fashion Sakala Junior of Zambia displayed his own brand of aggression and hunger for possession with 7 face-to-face fights for the ball. Despite facing tough opposition from Sangaré and the Mali defense, Sakala’s speed and agility allowed him to create opportunities for his team and keep the pressure on the opposition.
As the match progressed, it was clear that the battle in midfield was key to determining the outcome. Both Sangaré and Sakala played pivotal roles for their respective teams, setting the tone for the physical and competitive nature of the game.
In the end, Mali emerged victorious with a narrow margin, thanks in part to Sangaré’s dominance in midfield. However, Sakala’s spirited performance for Zambia should not go unnoticed, as he fought tirelessly to make an impact and keep his team in the game until the final whistle.
Overall, the face-to-face duels for the ball between Mamadou Sangaré and Fashion Sakala Junior added an extra layer of excitement and intensity to an already thrilling match, showcasing the competitive spirit and determination of both players.
Fouls:
Yellow cards:
- Aliou Dieng (Mali) at 65 minute
- D. Simukonda (Zambia) at 69 minute
The last five games (including this match):
- Mali – D
- Zambia – D
Top 5 Africa Cup of Nations scorers:
- Ayoub El Kaabi (1, Morocco)
- Brahim Abdelkader Díaz (1, Morocco)
- Lassine Sinayoko (1, Mali)
- Patson Daka (1, Zambia)
- (0, )
Line-ups:
Next games:
- Mali will play with Morocco. December 26 at 20:00 (GMT), on Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
- Zambia will play with Comoros. December 26 at 17:30 (GMT), on Stade Mohamed V.
