Home Football AFCON 2025: Daka strikes late to rescue Zambia against Mali

AFCON 2025: Daka strikes late to rescue Zambia against Mali

by Jeremiah Mugalu
1 minutes read

Africa Cup of Nations 2025 | Monday | Group A

  • Mali 1-1 Zambia
  • Morocco 2-0 Comoros

Patson Daka struck deep into stoppage time to snatch a 1–1 draw for Zambia against Mali in a gripping Group A clash in Casablanca at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Monday evening .

Mali looked set for victory until Daka had other ideas. The Leicester City forward slipped between two defenders and thumped home a header from Lameck Banda’s inviting cross, triggering wild celebrations inside Stade Mohammed V.

The match had simmered with tension long before the late drama. Mali were handed a first-half penalty after a VAR review, but El Bilal Touré was denied by a sharp save, leaving the scores level at the break.

After the restart, Mali pressed harder and finally broke through just after the hour. Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest to his own rebound from a corner and smashed the ball into the roof of the net, a goal Zambia will regret conceding after losing their markers.

Lassine Sinayoko and teammates celebrating their goal.

As four minutes of added time ticked away, Mali appeared to have done enough, having controlled much of the contest. 

Daka’s late header, however, flipped the script, denying the Eagles a deserved win and earning Zambia a precious point.

Patson Daka celebrates his equalizer.

It was a cruel finish for Mali. For Zambia, it was a reminder of resilience and the value of a striker who delivers when it matters most.

Earlier on Sunday, hosts Morocco began their campaign with a 2–0 win, second-half goals from Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi setting an early tone for the tournament.

Related Post

Current Table Standings | Group A 

You may also like

Leave a Comment