Kick-off: December 22, 2025, at 16:00.

In the opening round of the Africa Cup of Nations, the match between Mali and Zambia will take place at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. In the last three head-to-head meetings, the teams have shown an evenly matched contest: each side has recorded one victory, and one match ended in a draw. For both national teams, this start is of critical importance, given the presence of a powerful Morocco in the group, so success in this head-to-head encounter will significantly ease the path to the knockout stage.

Mali will look to make its mark at this year’s tournament, but to do so, it is crucial to get off to a strong start against the 2012 champions, Zambia. Already in the second round, it will face the tournament hosts and one of the main favorites, Morocco. Mali has never won the Africa Cup of Nations, although it has reached the final once and claimed bronze medals twice. Zambia remains a difficult opponent for the West African side: in six head-to-head meetings in history, Mali has managed to defeat its opponent only once, back in 1994.

Watch the Mali — Zambia match online on MEGOGO on 22.12.2025. Zambia approaches the match on the back of a four-game losing streak. One defeat came against Niger in qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while the other three were suffered in friendly matches against DR Congo, Angola, and South Africa as part of preparations for the Africa Cup of Nations. Since its triumph in 2012, Zambia has taken part in three editions of the tournament but has failed to advance from the group stage each time, and on three other occasions it did not qualify. The opening match against Mali could provide the visitors with a good opportunity to start the tournament successfully. Former Chelsea head coach Avram Grant leads the team, and fans hope that his experience will pay dividends at this Africa Cup of Nations. Watch the live broadcast of the Mali — Zambia match online on MEGOGO on 22.12.2025.