Mali will be eyeing a place in the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) knockout stages when they clash with Zambia at the Stade Régional Nyamirambo in Kigali, Rwanda this afternoon.

The Eagles narrowly edged out the Warriors of Zimbabwe 1-0 in their previous Group D encounter on Saturday. Moussa Sissoko netted a later winner.
The West African side, who drew 2-2 with Uganda in their first game, are placed second on the Group D standings two points behind leaders Zambia and three ahead of third-placed Uganda.

Mali need a victory or draw with Zambia to book their place in the 2016 CHAN knockout stages.

However, Eagles head coach Djibril Drame has already reportedly stated that they are targeting nothing but a victory over Chipolopolo.
Meanwhile, Zambia will be looking to finish at the top of Group D with a victory over the Eagles this afternoon.

Chipolopolo overcame Uganda 1-0 in their previous Group D match at the Umuganda Stadium in Gisenyi on Saturday. Veteran striker Christopher Katongo netted the only goal of the game.

With six points from two matches, the Southern African giants have already booked their place in the 2016 CHAN knockout stages.
Zambia head coach George Lwandamina has explained that they will be looking to maintain their momentum when they face Mali.

“I am not saying that the Mali match is not important because we also want a positive result on Wednesday so that we can finish the group stage with a clean record. If we maintain our momentum it will give us more confidence ahead of the quarter-final,” Lwandamina said.

The winner between Mali and Zambia will face Group C’s runners-up in Kigali on the 31st of January.