Mali coach Tom Saintfiet remains determined to guide his team to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, despite a frustrating 1-1 draw in their Group A opener on Monday.
The Eagles dominated much of the first half and created the clearest scoring opportunities, but failed to convert their chances. El Bilal Touré’s penalty was expertly denied by Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza, keeping the score level at halftime.
After the break, Mali finally broke the deadlock. A loose ball in the box fell to Lassine Sinayoko, who reacted quickest to fire a powerful strike off the crossbar, giving the West Africans a deserved lead.
However, Mali’s advantage was short-lived. Deep into stoppage time, a lapse in concentration allowed Patson Daka to rise unmarked and head home, snatching a dramatic equaliser for Zambia and leaving the Casablanca crowd stunned.
“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,” Saintfiet said after the game.
“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.
Saintfiet also highlighted Zambia’s midfield strength as a factor that disrupted Mali’s game plan but stressed that their plans of playing in the final remain intact despite dropping points.
“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,” he added.
Mali will aim for their first win of the tournament when they take on hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on Friday, December 26.
