Winners of the 2012 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia will lock horns with Mali in what is their opening game in the competition.
Zambia were runner-up in 1974 and 1994, but their 2012 triumph remains their biggest achievement in the continental showpiece.
Like many other teams featuring in the competition, both Zambia and Mali have new-look squads, and they will be aiming to go as far as possible in the tournament.
For Mali, it has been a torturous wait for their first title, having come close a few times in the past, notably in 1972 when they lost in the final to Congo, and when they finished in the Bronze Medal place in 2012 and 2013.
The West Africans arrive in this tournament with a decent three-game unbeaten run, and they will be confident of getting out of group A, which also consists of hosts Morocco and minnows Comoros.
With widely travelled Tom Saintfiet, who was appointed in September 2024, in charge of the Eagles of Mali, the fans of the team will be hopeful that their inability to lift the coveted trophy will finally be corrected in this edition of the competition.
In their last five AFCON appearances, the Eagles have not gone beyond the quarter-final stage, and they will be out to advance beyond the last eight.
For Zambia, on the other hand, former Chelsea and Ghana managerAvram Grant has been in charge of the Copper Bullets since 2022, and he will be aiming to make his stay in the southern African country count this time.
That said, Grant's team enters this competition with an unimpressive run, having lost their last four fixtures in all competitions, conceding nine goals and scoring only three in that wretched run.
Nevertheless, the Zambians could draw some inspiration from their 2012 triumph, when they got the better of the Ivory Coast on penalties in the final.
How the bookies view it: Mali are overwhelming favourites
Going by the view of the bookies, the Malians have been installed as favourites with odds of 3/5 on Bet365, a situation which highlights the difference in the form of both sides.
Zambia are priced at 6/1, confirming their status as the underdogs ahead of this fixture, while there are 2.5/1 odds for a draw.
While the bookies have backed Mali, a very close contest is expected, with a marginal chance for a Mali victory.
Recent head-to-head: Mali has the edge after their last meeting
After five meetings with no success, Mali won their last encounter 1-0 in a September 2024 friendly match.
Players to watch: Mamadou Sangare
Mamadou Sangare has made a name for himself in Ligue 1 this term, plying his trade for Lens. The midfielder is known for his strong work ethic and his ball-carrying abilities, which have put him in the spotlight in Europe.
Probable line-ups
Mali have concerns over the fitness of Yves Bissouma, and other than him, they have all their regulars at their disposal.
Zambia arrived with 12 players on the books of clubs based in the Zambian Premier League, with all the players that made it to Morocco available for selection.
Mali: Samassa; Dante, Fofana, Niakate, W. Coulibaly; Dieng,Sangare; L. Doumbia, Nene Coulibaly; Toure
Zambia: Mulenga; Bandar, Musonda, Chanda, Hamansenya; Phindi, Simunkonda, Chaiwa, Sakala; Kangwa, Daka
Anything else that catches the eye?
Zambia have lost their last four matches, nd going into this contest, Mali are likely to take all three points, making the option to back Mali a reasonable choice.
Meanwhile, Mali are unbeaten in their last three matches, winning two and drawing one in that run.
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