Patson Daka saved Zambia with a last-minute header to earn a dramatic 1-1 draw against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
Mali took the lead shortly after the hour when Lassine Sinayoko scored from close range after Zambia failed to clear a corner. Mali looked the stronger side for much of the match and had a chance to score earlier when Nene Dorgeles was fouled in the box. However, El Bilal Toure’s penalty was well saved by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
Zambia struggled against Mali’s physical strength for most of the game, but Daka came to the rescue in injury time, heading home a cross from Matthews Banda to secure a point for the 2012 Afcon champions.
The draw leaves both Zambia and Mali two points behind hosts Morocco in Group A. Zambia stay in Casablanca to face Comoros next, while Mali travel to Rabat to play Morocco in a key group match.
