Mali coach Tom Saintfiet remains determined to guide his team to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final, despite a frustrating 1-1 draw in their Group A opener on Monday.
The Eagles dominated the first half and created the clearest chances but failed to convert their advantage.
El Bilal Touré missed a crucial opportunity from the penalty spot, with goalkeeper Willard Mwanza producing a superb save to keep the score level at halftime.
Mali eventually broke the deadlock after the break when a loose ball in the box fell to Lassine Sinayoko, who reacted quickest to fire a powerful shot off the crossbar and into the net, giving the West Africans a deserved lead.
However, just as Mali appeared poised to secure victory, a lapse in concentration in stoppage time allowed Patson Daka to head home unmarked, snatching a late point 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 identified Zambia’s midfield as a key factor in disrupting Mali’s rhythm but remained confident in his team’s ambitions.
“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 look to secure their first win of the tournament when they face hosts Morocco on Friday, December 26, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
