Daka's Last-Gasp Equalizer Delivers Zambia a Point in AFCON Opener
22 December 2025
Match snapshot
Leicester City forward Patson Daka rescued his homeland, Zambia, from defeat by leveling in the dying moments to earn a 1-1 draw against Mali on Monday. The dramatic equalizer came in Casablanca, closing the first round of Group A matches at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Mali looked on track for a deserved victory after Lassine Sinayoko, Mali's forward, struck in the 61st minute, but Daka's late strike forced the share of the spoils.
Morocco had already beaten Comoros in the opening game of the same group.
Mali and Zambia were preparing for their Friday fixtures: Mali facing Morocco at Rabat's Mohammed V Stadium, while Zambia took on Comoros in Casablanca on the same day.
Mali had dominated the early stages, firing three efforts on Zambia’s goal, the sharpest coming from Lassine Sinayoko in the 15th minute, before Daka’s late equalizer interrupted the script.
A penalty was awarded after a foul in the Mali box, but Willard Mwanza saved Blal Touré’s spot kick and the rebound was cleared.
Mali still pressed after halftime, but Sinayoko doubled the lead in the 61st minute by converting a rebound from a set piece.
Zambia pushed forward, and Sinayoko charged into the box and fired a powerful effort narrowly past the left post in the 84th minute.
Moments later, Zambia defender Benson Sakala nearly headed it in during stoppage time, but the game remained goalless until Daka struck.
His header from a cross by Matheus Chanda found the left of the Mali goalkeeper, clinching a 1-1 draw.
Morocco had topped the group after beating Comoros in the opener, leaving Mali and Zambia in a tight battle for the second spot.
Final thought: football is late, but the snacks, like this game, never disappoint, honestly ever.
Punchline 1: If football is late, at least the snacks are punctual.
Punchline 2: And the only thing faster than a cross is a fan’s data plan during extra time.
