Striker Patson Daka scored a stoppage-time equaliser to secure a crucial point for Zambia in their opening Group A AFCON encounter against Mali this afternoon.
Mali took the lead in the 64th minute when Lassine Sinayoko found the back of the net after a quick corner caught the Chipolopolo defense off guard.
Chipolopolo Coach Moses Sichone responded with a triple substitution in the final 25 minutes, bringing on David Simukonda for Lameck Banda, Joseph “Sabobo” Banda for Miguel Chaiwa, and Kennedy Musonda for Fashion Sakala.
The persistence paid off in stoppage time, as Daka scored in the 91st minute with a diving header to level the match 1-1.
In Group A standings, Morocco lead with three points after their 2-0 win over Comoros in the opening match. Mali sit second, Zambia third with one point, and Comoros bottom with no points.
Zambia will now shift focus to their next fixture against Comoros on Friday, December 26, 2025, as they aim for their first win of the tournament.
Image by FAZ
