AFCON: Late Daka’s header breaks Mali’s hearts as Zambia steal dramatic draw

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Mali and Zambia played out a tense 1–1 draw in their opening Group fixture of the 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations, a match defined by missed chances, VAR drama and a late sting from Zambia in added time.

Mali dominated large spells of the contest and looked on course for victory after taking the lead shortly after the hour mark. Their control, however, was undone deep into stoppage time when Zambia struck to snatch a valuable point.

The West Africans began with confidence, pinning Zambia back early and forcing a series of corners. Mali’s attacking intent was clear, with Lassine Sinayoko, Dorgeles Nene and El Bilal Touré probing Zambia’s back line, while Aliou Dieng dictated the tempo in midfield.

The game’s first major turning point came in the 41st minute when the referee awarded Mali a penalty following a VAR review after Nene went down in the box. Expectations were high, but Touré failed to capitalise, seeing his low effort brilliantly saved by the Zambian goalkeeper, a moment that lifted the Southern Africans and kept the contest finely balanced at the interval.

Mali eventually broke the deadlock in the 61st minute. After sustained pressure and another corner, Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball in the area, firing a rebound emphatically into the roof of the net to give Mali a deserved 1–0 lead.

From there, Mali continued to threaten, with Sinayoko and Kamory Doumbia both going close, while Djigui Diarra remained largely untroubled at the other end, producing a crucial save to deny Dominic Chanda when Zambia briefly threatened.

Zambia, however, refused to fold. Coach Moses Sichone made attacking changes, introducing fresh legs that gradually shifted the momentum.

The pressure finally paid off in the 92nd minute when Mathews Banda delivered a teasing lofted pass into the box. Patson Daka rose highest and powered a close-range header past Diarra, sending the Zambian bench into celebration and silencing Mali’s supporters.

The late equaliser was a cruel blow for Mali, who had controlled possession and created the clearer chances, but were punished for failing to convert their dominance into a second goal.