Mali head coach Tom Saintfiet has reiterated his determination to guide the Eagles to the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, despite settling for a disappointing 1-1 draw against Zambia in their Group A opener on Monday.
Mali dominated much of the contest, particularly in the first half, creating several clear-cut chances but failing to make their superiority count. Their frustration was compounded when El Bilal Touré missed from the penalty spot, with Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza producing a fine save to keep the scores level at the break.
The West Africans finally broke through after halftime when Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area, smashing a powerful effort off the crossbar and into the net to give Mali a deserved lead.
However, just as Mali looked set to claim all three points, a moment of defensive lapse in stoppage time proved costly. Patson Daka rose unmarked to head home the equaliser, silencing the Casablanca crowd and rescuing a point for Zambia.
Speaking after the match, Saintfiet described the late goal as a painful setback.
“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,” he said.
“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 acknowledged Zambia’s strength in midfield, noting that it disrupted Mali’s rhythm at key moments, but he remained confident about his team’s overall prospects.
“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,” he explained.
Reaffirming Mali’s ambitions, the Belgian coach added, “We said we want to reach the final, and that is still possible.”
Mali will seek their first victory of the tournament when they take on hosts Morocco on Friday, December 26, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
