AFCON 2025: Patson Daka’s stoppage time header denies Mali winning start

Zambia broke the hearts of Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they scored in stoppage time to nick a point from the jaws of defeat in Casablanca on Monday.

Mali appeared headed to an opening victory thanks to Lassine Sinayoko’s second half goal but in the 92^nd minute, Patson Daka popped up with a brilliant header to level matters.

Mali had the best opportunities early in the contest, the first one falling to Dorgeles Nene, who found space inside the box but sent his shot narrowly wide.

Benson Sakala then made a great tackle to stop Sinayoko from taking a shot from the edge of the box and as halftime approached, the Eagles had a glorious opportunity to take the lead.

Mali miss penalty but break the deadlock

Nene was fouled inside the penalty area by a clumsy challenge from Mathews Banda and after a VAR check, the referee awarded Mali a penalty. However, El Bilal Toure saw his effort saved by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza, who dived the right way to get a hold of the ball.

Zambia struggled to create chances and their resistance would be broken after the hour mark when from a corner, the ball found an unmarked Toure, whose effort hit the defenders but from the melee, Sinayoko pounced.

The striker, who scored against Bafana Bafana in their AFCON 2023 opener, doing it again in the first game of the 2025 tournament.

How did Zambia nick a point?

Mali came close to doubling their advantage shortly after, but Gaoussou Diarra’s acrobatic effort was easily gathered by Mwanza.

With Zambia offering nothing attack wise, it looked like Mali were headed for all three points but Daka had other ideas.

A cross from Banda found Daka, who directed a close-range header into the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Zambian fans.