Mali and Zambia Draw at AFCON Morocco 2025, Coach Criticizes FIFA

The Mali national team drew 1-1 with their Zambian counterparts on Monday in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Morocco. Lamine Sinayoko scored for Mali in the 61st minute, while Patson Daka equalized for Zambia in the 90+2 minute. This came after Mali's El Bilal Touré missed a penalty, which was saved by goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.

Following the match, Mali's national team coach, Tom Saintfiet, criticized FIFA's decision to delay the release of players. Saintfiet told Canal+ Sport Afrique, “FIFA decided that players should play their last game six or seven days before a major tournament. Two of my players got injured in their last matches.”

The coach confirmed injuries to Sikou Niakaté (Braga player) and Hamari Traoré (Paris FC player), adding, “They are unavailable for a few weeks, and I don't know if they will be present for the second match. But if we stay long in the tournament, they will be able to play.” Niakaté and Traoré will miss the upcoming match against Morocco and are also likely to miss the final group stage match against Comoros.

Saintfiet also condemned the joint decision by FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years starting from 2027. He stated, “Since 1957, Africa has organized the Africa Cup of Nations every two years. But now they say it will be held every four years. This is not normal. Africa must be respected.”

Commenting on his team's performance in the match, the Belgian coach concluded, “I am not happy, but I am not surprised.”