The Chipolopolo boys have recorded a 1–1 draw against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) playout at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco.
Mali settled quicker into the match, registering two attempts on goal within the opening 15 minutes, while Zambia’s Fashion Sakala also came close early on, but his effort failed to trouble the Malian goalkeeper.
In the 30th minute, the Chipolopolo boys began to dictate play, with winger Lameck Banda forcing several corners in Malian territory.
The media reports that five minutes before halftime, Zambia conceded a penalty following a defensive infringement in the 18-yard box, confirmed after intervention from the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).
However, Mali’s Striker, El Bilal Touré failed to convert, as his low-driven penalty was well saved by Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza, sending the teams into a goalless break.
Twelve minutes after the second half, Mali broke the deadlock through Lassine Sinayoko, who finished swiftly from a quick corner to put his side ahead.
In the 66th minute, Chipolopolo coach made two substitutions, bringing on Sabobo Banda and David Simukonda for Lameck Banda and Miguel Changa Chaiwa respectively. A minute later, Zambia registered a shot on target through an overhead kick from Dominic Chanda, which tested the Malian defense.
Zambia made another change in the 70th minute, with Kennedy Musonda replacing captain Fashion Sakala. The Chipolopolo nearly equalised in the 89th minute when Patson Daka missed a header that sailed over the crossbar.
However, Zambia eventually drew level when Leicester City striker Patson Daka scored a diving header from a Matthews Banda cross to make it 1–1.
Following the draw, Zambia sits second in the group standings with 1 point, with hosts Morocco top of the table with 3 points. Mali occupies third. Zambia will next face botton placed Comoros on Friday at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 hours.
Why were they still playing 12 minutes after the final whistle? You report:
“Twelve minutes after the second half Mali broke the…”????
And who is this “media” you keep plagiarizing? “The media reports” that five minutes before halftime, Zambia conceded a penalty.
Mali are not occupying third place as you report. They drew with Zambia so the two must be sharing second spot.
I think they sent one of the Chipolopolo fans as a reporter!