A stunning, last-gasp diving header from Patson Daka rescued a vital point for Zambia, securing a 1-1 draw against Mali in their opening Group A match of the Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca. The Leicester City forward connected with a Mathews Banda cross in the 92nd minute, cancelling out what seemed to be a winning goal for the West Africans and throwing the group wide open.

The result is a gut punch for Mali, who controlled large stretches of the game and will rue a series of missed opportunities, most notably a saved penalty. For the Chipolopolo, it’s a hard-fought point that keeps their hopes alive, though their winless streak in AFCON finals matches, stretching back to their 2012 triumph, now extends to ten games.

Mali's Dominance Meets Zambian Resistance

From the outset, Mali asserted their authority, dictating the pace of the game at the Stade Mohammed V. Their persistent pressure culminated in a golden opportunity late in the first half when Mathews Banda was judged to have fouled Nene Dorgeles in the box after a VAR check. However, striker El Bilal Toure’s resulting penalty in the 42nd minute was brilliantly saved by Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza, who kept his side level heading into the break.

The Eagles of Mali finally broke the deadlock just after the hour mark. Following a corner, Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball in the penalty area, firing it into the roof of the net to give his side a deserved lead in the 61st minute. Mali continued to press, creating several chances to double their lead, but failed to deliver the clinical finish that would have sealed the three points.

The Final Twist

Just as Mali looked set to see out a victory, Zambia produced a moment of brilliance deep into stoppage time. Mathews Banda delivered a curling cross from deep, and Daka launched himself between defenders to power a diving header past the goalkeeper, sparking wild celebrations from the Zambian bench. The dramatic finish ensures both teams share a point, leaving them trailing hosts Morocco, who defeated Comoros 2-0 in the group's other fixture.

• Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations - Group A
• Venue: Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, Morocco
• Man of the Match: Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)

Looking ahead, the road doesn't get any easier. Zambia will face Comoros next, while Mali must prepare for a difficult encounter against the host nation, Morocco, on Friday, December 26th. For Mali's coach, Tom Saintfiet, the immediate challenge will be to sharpen his team's finishing before that crucial showdown.