Patson Daka emerged as Zambia’s hero at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on Sunday, heading home a stoppage-time equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw against Mali in their opening Group A fixture at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Leicester City striker’s intervention came at a crucial moment when the 2012 continental champions appeared destined for defeat following Lassine Sinayoko’s 61st-minute strike. Sinayoko had capitalised on confusion in the Zambian penalty area, firing home from close range after his initial effort from a corner was blocked.
According to match reports from the BBC Sport and other verified sources covering the tournament, Mali dominated proceedings for extended periods, demonstrating superior physicality and tactical organisation. Their control nearly translated into a commanding advantage just before half-time when referee awarded them a penalty after Nene Dorgeles was brought down inside the box by Zambian defender Matthews Banda.
However, El Bilal Toure’s spot-kick failed to find the net, with Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza producing an outstanding save, diving low to his right to deny the Mali forward. The missed penalty would prove costly for Mali’s ambitions of securing maximum points.
Zambia struggled to contain Mali’s attacking threat throughout much of the contest, with the Chipolopolo rarely threatening going forward until the dying moments. Yet football’s unpredictable nature manifested itself deep into added time when Banda, who had earlier conceded the penalty, redeemed himself by delivering a perfectly weighted cross into Mali’s penalty area.
Daka timed his run expertly, rising above the Mali defence to power a header past the goalkeeper and spark jubilant celebrations amongst the Zambian contingent. The goal demonstrated the striker’s predatory instincts and aerial prowess, qualities that have made him a valuable asset for both club and country.
The result maintains competitive balance in Group A, where host nation Morocco currently lead with three points following their 2-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday. Both Zambia and Mali now sit on one point apiece, level with Comoros, setting up intriguing second-round fixtures.
According to the Confederation of African Football’s tournament schedule, Zambia will face Comoros in Casablanca on Friday, whilst Mali travel to Rabat for what promises to be a challenging encounter against tournament hosts Morocco. The Atlas Lions will be expected to leverage home advantage as they seek to maintain their perfect start to the competition.
The 2025 AFCON, being hosted across multiple Moroccan cities, represents a significant opportunity for participating nations to claim continental glory. For Zambia, the point gained against Mali could prove vital in their quest to progress from the group stage, particularly given the psychological boost of avoiding defeat after trailing late in the match.
Mali, meanwhile, will rue their missed opportunities, particularly Toure’s penalty miss and their inability to protect their lead. The Eagles of Mali possess considerable quality within their squad and will need to demonstrate greater composure in crucial moments if they are to advance deep into the tournament.