Zambia left it late to salvage a dramatic 1–1 draw against Mali in their opening Group A encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night in Casablanca.
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The Chipolopolo looked destined for defeat at the Stade Mohammed V until Leicester City forward Patson Daka struck deep into stoppage time, diving to meet a Mathews Banda cross in the second minute of added time to snatch an unlikely equaliser.
The goal marked a rare bright moment for Daka, who has endured a difficult club season with just one goal in the English Championship.
Mali had dominated long stretches of the contest and were presented with a prime opportunity to take control before half-time. El Bilal Touré earned a penalty after Banda was penalised for a foul on Nene Dorgeles following a VAR review.
However, Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza produced a superb save to deny Touré from the spot, keeping the scores level at the interval.
The Eagles of Mali eventually found their breakthrough shortly after the hour mark. Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko reacted fastest to a corner kick, converting from close range after a rebound to put Mali in front and seemingly on course for all three points.
Just as victory appeared certain for the West Africans, Zambia delivered a late sting. Daka’s stoppage-time header shattered Malian hopes and ensured the points were shared in a pulsating Group A clash.
The draw proved beneficial to tournament hosts Morocco, who earlier secured a 2–0 win over Comoros in the group’s opening match on Sunday.
Morocco and Mali will meet next in Rabat on Friday, while Zambia — now winless in their last 10 AFCON matches since lifting the trophy in 2012 — will look to end that run when they face Comoros in their second group fixture.
