Zambia produced a dramatic finish to snatch a 1 1 draw against Mali in their opening Group A match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, thanks to a stunning stoppage time header from Patson Daka.
Mali dominated large spells of the contest and appeared set to claim all three points, but they were punished for dropping deep late on as Zambia pushed forward in search of an equaliser. Deep into added time, Mathews Banda delivered a curling cross into the box and Patson Daka rose superbly, throwing himself forward to power a diving header into the net and rescue a crucial point for the Chipolopolo.
The West Africans had taken the lead in the 62nd minute through Lassine Sinayoko, who capitalised on defensive hesitation to fire home after Zambia failed to clear their lines. Earlier in the match, Mali had a golden opportunity to go ahead when El Bilal Touré won a first half penalty, but goalkeeper Willard Mwanza came to Zambia’s rescue with an important save.
The opening half was largely uneventful apart from that missed penalty, with Zambia setting up in a compact and cautious shape, clearly content to frustrate Mali and limit scoring chances. The tempo improved after the interval as Mali pushed higher up the pitch, eventually finding the breakthrough before retreating into a defensive posture.
That decision proved costly as Zambia continued to press and were finally rewarded in dramatic fashion at the death through Daka’s heroic intervention.
Following the draw, Mali will now turn their attention to a tough second Group A fixture against hosts Morocco on Friday December 26, while Zambia will face Comoros on Matchday Two as both teams look to build on their opening point.
