AFCON 2025/ Daka’s late header rescues Zambia in dramatic draw
A stoppage-time header from Patson Daka snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw for Zambia against a dominant Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Casablanca.
Mali controlled proceedings from the start, with Lassine Sinayoko and El Bilal Touré consistently threatening.
Their pressure seemed destined to go unrewarded after Touré had a first-half penalty saved by Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
Sinayoko eventually broke the deadlock just after the hour, firing home powerfully from inside the area.
The Eagles, having managed the game expertly, appeared to be cruising to victory as Zambia struggled to create clear chances.
However, a lapse in concentration in the final moments proved costly. In the dying seconds of added time, Daka rose unmarked to power a header home, delivering a devastating blow to Mali.
The result leaves Group A finely balanced, rewarding Zambia’s resilience while highlighting Mali’s recurring struggle to close out matches they largely command.
