AFCON: Zambia snatch point off Mali with late goal

Mali were left stunned in Casablanca on Monday at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as Zambia scored a late equalizer against the run of play to draw 1-1 in Group A.

Lassine Sinayoko fired in the opening goal of the match from close range on 61 minutes in a Man of the Match performance from the Mali and Auxerre forward. It was a strong performance from Les Aigles but Patson Daka headed in a stoppage time leveler out of nowhere for Chipolopolo to claim a surprise point at the Stade Mohammed V.

Zambia failed to produce a single shot on goal in the first half as the West Africans seized the initiative with quick and dynamic team movements.

However, despite being under pressure, Chipolopolo managed to keep the match scoreless by halftime thanks to the efforts of goalkeeper Willard Mwanza. The Power Dynamos shot stopper came up with a massive save to deny a tame penalty kick from Eagles striker El Bilal Touré after Dorgeles Nene was tripped up in the penalty area by defender Mathews Banda.

The underdogs attempted to be more proactive in the second half but the West Africans maintained their advantage and found the crucial goal shortly after the hour mark. A cross from the left wing fell right to the feet of Touré six yards from goal. The ball was caught up in the striker’s feet but Sinayoko was quickest to react, firing in from close range after a goal mouth scramble saw his initial effort blocked.

The Zambians produced little to trouble the opposition defense for ninety minutes but saved their best for last. Banda’s hopeful inswinging cross from the right wing went high in to the air and poacher extraordinaire Daka escaped his markers to bounce a header past Mali keeper Djigui Diarra.

It is a gut punch for the Malians, who will next face hosts and Group A favorites Morocco on Friday. Chipolopolo will clash against Comoros in a crucial match for both teams’ hopes of reaching the knockout stages.