Patson Daka was the hero for Zambia as his injury-time header earned a dramatic 1-1 draw against Mali in their opening match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Monday, December 22.

Mali had taken the lead shortly after the hour mark when Lassine Sinayoko lashed home from close range in the Group A encounter, finishing after his initial effort from a corner had been blocked.

The Eagles largely controlled the tempo and came close to opening the scoring late in the first half when Nene Dorgeles was brought down in the box by Matthews Banda. El Bilal Touré stepped up to take the penalty, but his low effort was superbly saved by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.

Zambia, the 2012 AFCON champions, struggled to cope with Mali’s physical dominance for much of the contest, but found a late lifeline when Banda’s lofted cross was met by Daka, the Leicester City forward rising highest to head home deep into injury time.

The draw leaves both sides two points behind hosts Morocco in the Group A standings, following the Atlas Lions’ 2-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday.

Zambia remain in Casablanca for their next fixture against Comoros on Friday, while Mali travel to Rabat for a crucial showdown with Morocco.