Mali vs Zambia Prediction & Picks - AFCON
Africa - AFCON
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by Bradley Gibbs in AFCON Picks
The first African Cup of Nations game to kick off on Monday sees Mali take on Zambia at Stade Mohamed V, situated in Casablanca. In the early betting, the Eagles are strongly fancied to get the job done against a Zambia side that is expected to struggle at this tournament. Having said that, it is the Zambians who have arguably performed better at AFCON in recent times, reaching the final back in 2012, where they got the job done, becoming champions of Africa thanks to a penalty shootout success over the Ivory Coast.
For Mali, AFCON success remains elusive, but Tom Saintfet will be hoping to change that. The Belgian has been in charge since late 2024, and in recent times, there have been signs of improvement from the Eagles, who are definitely getting stronger at the back. Can they kick this competition off by keeping it tight against the Copper Bullets? Let's find out.
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Mali vs Zambia Form
Mali and Zambia Latest Matches
3/6 (50%)
1/6 (17%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 4, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2025 - International Friendlies
4/6 (67%)
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 4, 2025 - World Cup
Nov 19, 2024 - AFCON
Oct 11, 2024 - AFCON
Sep 6, 2024 - AFCON
Jun 6, 2024 - World Cup
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
2/6 (33%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Nov 18, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Jun 5, 2025 - International Friendlies
Mar 24, 2025 - World Cup
Mar 20, 2025 - World Cup
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
5/6 (83%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 16, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 17, 2025 - African Nations Championship
1/6 (17%)
0/6 (0%)
5/6 (83%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Oct 12, 2025 - World Cup
Sep 8, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 17, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 10, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Jun 6, 2025 - COSAFA Cup
Nov 15, 2024 - AFCON
1/6 (17%)
1/6 (17%)
4/6 (67%)
Average stats (Last 6 matchs)
Dec 16, 2025 - International Friendlies
Nov 15, 2025 - International Friendlies
Oct 8, 2025 - World Cup
Aug 14, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Aug 7, 2025 - African Nations Championship
Jun 11, 2025 - COSAFA Cup
Mali - Zambia: Form Analysis
From a recent form point of view, the Eagles haven't done much wrong, with Mali either tying or winning four of their last five. During that time, they've secured three wins, beating the likes of Madagascar, Chad and Comoros. Last time out, they tied 0-0 with Jordan. Saintfelt's men have also kept three clean sheets in their last five, and they'll absolutely be looking to build on that defensive solidity here.
For the Zambians, it hasn't gone well in recent times. The Copper Bullets have not exactly penetrated their opponents in recent times, losing each of their last four games, failing to score in two of those. They warmed up for this tournament with a defeat against the Democratic Republic of Congo, losing by two goals to zero, which is not a result that point towards them making much headway in Morocco, let's be honest.
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Missing players
Y. Bissouma
Mali & Zambia Squad Analysis
Both teams are expected to take to the Stade Mohamed V field at near full strength, which means that for Mali, the likes of El Bilal Toure, Nene Dorgeles and Kamory Doumbia should all start. Somewhat disappointingly, the Eagles may be without Yves Bissouma, who has been struggling for full fitness this season.
The Zambians are not expected to be missing any key players, so expect to see Leicester City's Patson Daka start up top, with the likes of Pascal Phiri and Fashion Sakala out wide.
Mali - Zambia Key Points
- Nene Dorgeles scored in his last appearance for Mali.
- Nene Dorgeles has now scored in two of his last three games for Mali.
- In AFCON qualifying, Nene Dorgeles notched three times in just two appearances for Mali.
- For Fenerbahce this season, Nene Dorgeles averages 0.89 shots on target per 90 minutes.
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Our Mali vs Zambia Prediction
You wouldn't call Nene Dorgeles a prolific scorer for Fenerbahce, but the young speedster has looked a real livewire for the Turkish outfit this season, especially in the UEFA Europa League, getting himself into some very promising shooting areas. He also have a fine recent record for Mali.
The scorer of two goals in his last three appearances for Mali, Dorgeles, who is no stranger to taking on his man before firing off shots, has more then enough quality to hurt the Zambians, and given how poor the Copper Bullets have been at the back in recent times, he looks generously priced to notch.
Our Mali vs Zambia Pick: Nene Dorgeles to Score.
Mali vs Zambia - Other Interesting Picks
Nene Dorgeles to Assist
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Mali vs Zambia match : Frequently asked questions
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