Chipolopolo will have to be wary of their first Group A opponent, Mali, who have set a minimum of a semi-final berth at the tournament.

Avram Grant’s men were pitted in a group that has hosts and Africa’s top-ranked teams, Morocco, Mali, and the Comoros.

Before they think about Comoros, Chipolopolo will have to contend with Mali in their first game on December 22. Mali’s new coach, Tom Saintfiet, has set an ambitious target for the Eagles.

“Our ambition is to stay as long as possible in the tournament,” Saintfiet is quoted by Inside World Football.

“We want to play seven matches, which means the semi-finals and the final or third-place playoff. That’s our ambition and this draw gives us options. I see a lot of opportunities.”

Mali is among the top African teams that has never won the tournament. It is understood that one of Saintfiet’s targets is to ensure the Eagles lift the trophy.

They will also be looking to improve their performance from the previous tournament in Ivory Coast, where they reached the quarterfinals.

Meanwhile, Zambia has faced Mali five times since 1994. Chipolopolo has won twice and drawn twice, with their most recent meeting in a friendly game in 2022 ending in a 1-0 loss.

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