…..Mali 1-1 Zambia…
By Edwin Mbewe
MOROCCO-(MaraviPost)-The Zambia National Football team head coach, Moses Sichone said patience, belief, and trust in his players helped the team to secure a 1-1 draw against Mali.
Leicester City star Patson Daka scored a dying minutes goal with a beautiful header to earn a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Mali in their 2025 TotalErnegies Africa Cup of Nations opening match at the Mohammed V Stadium.
In a post match interview, Sichone admitted that starting a tournament against a strong opponent is always difficult.
“It’s never easy to play the first game. Mali scored early because we gifted them the goal. We struggled a bit, but I also have to praise the boys for keeping calm and ensuring we left the game at nil all at the recess”, Sichone said.
He also highlighted the significance of star Patson Daka, who scored the equalizer in the additional time.
Sichione also came to the defence of the squad against criticism on the social media.
“I want Facebook coaches to stop attacking our players and start showing them respect.
The goal-minder Willard Mwanza was another standout performer, making a vital penalty save.
“I was not moved by the referee’s decision to award Mali a penalty. I trusted myself completely. As the Malian came, I just looked at him and knew I was going to stop his kick”, Mwanza said.
The Chipolopolo next assignment is against Comoros Island who lost 2-0 against the host Morocco in their opening game.
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