SICHONE PRAISES CHIPOLOPOLO’S COMPOSURE AFTER CONCEDING FIRST AGAINST MALI

21.12.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Chipolopolo Head Coach Moses Sichone says patience, belief, and trust in his players helped Zambia secure a crucial draw against Mali.

Zambia came from behind to earn a hard-fought 1–1 draw in their 2025 AFCON opening match at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Speaking after the match, Sichone admitted that starting a tournament against a strong opponent was always going to be challenging.

“It’s never easy to play the first game. Mali scored early because we gifted them the goal. My team struggled a bit, but I have to praise the boys for keeping calm and ensuring we went into halftime still in the game,” said Sichone.

He also highlighted the importance of star forward Patson Daka, who scored Zambia’s equaliser deep into added time.

“I know the quality Patson brings, which is why I kept him on the pitch. I’m happy he scored today. Players like him and the young talents such as Sabobo Banda and David Simukonda showed great character and promise. Young players are the future.”

Sichone further defended his team from criticism circulating on social media.

“I want Facebook coaches to stop attacking our players and start showing them respect.”

Goalkeeper Willard Mwanza was another standout performer, making a decisive penalty save to keep Zambia in the game.

“I was not moved by the referee’s decision to award Mali a penalty. I trusted myself completely. As the Malian player stepped up, I just focused on him and knew I was going to stop it,” Mwanza said.

Sichone also reacted to Morocco’s 2–0 victory over Comoros earlier in the group.

“Comoros may have lost, but they showed character. Against Zambia, they will come looking to score, so we expect an open and competitive match.”

Zambia now shifts focus to their next assignment as they continue their AFCON campaign with renewed belief and confidence.