Late Daka header rescues point for Chipolopolo against Mali
Patson Daka struck deep into injury time to spare Zambia’s blushes, as the Chipolopolo held Mali to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A match at the Africa Cup of Nations..
✨ Key Highlights
Zambia's Chipolopolo salvaged a draw against Mali in their opening Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A match when Patson Daka scored a header in the 92nd minute. The match, played on Monday night, ended 1-1 after Mali had taken a second-half lead.
- Patson Daka, a Leicester City striker, scored the equalizer for Zambia from a cross by Mathews Banda.
- Mali dominated large portions of the game, with Lassine Sinayoko scoring their goal after a saved penalty by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza in the first half.
- The match took place at Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca, Morocco, on December 22, 2025.
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Africa Cup of Nations Opening Matches See Wins for DR Congo, Egypt and Draw for Zambia - December 2025
The Democratic Republic of Congo started their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 1-0 victory over Benin in Rabat, with Theo Bongonda scoring the lone goal in their Group D opener. In Group B, Egypt secured a 2-1 victory against Zimbabwe after Mohamed Salah scored a decisive goal deep into stoppage time. Meanwhile, Zambia's Chipolopolo salvaged a 1-1 draw against Mali in their Group A match. Patson Daka scored a header for Zambia in the 92nd minute to level the score. The match against Mali was played on Monday night, where Mali had taken a lead in the second half.
