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Patson Daka ended a 20-month goal drought for Zambia with his late header in Casablanca Patson Daka was the hero for Zambia as his injury-time header secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Casablanca. Lassine Sinayoko had put Mali ahead just after the hour mark in the Group A encounter at the Stade Mohammed V, lashing home from close range after his initial attempt from a corner kick had been blocked. Mali controlled the tempo and had an opportunity to take the lead in the closing stages of the first half after Nene Dorgeles was brought down in the box by Matthews Banda. El Bilal Toure stepped up for the Eagles but his low effort was superbly saved by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza. Daka later rescued a point for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were largely overwhelmed by the physical dominance of the Malians until Banda's lofted cross was pounced upon by the Leicester City forward. The result leaves both sides two points behind host nation Morocco in the Group A table after the Atlas Lions won their opening game 2-0 against Comoros on Sunday. Zambia will remain in Casablanca to play their next game against Comoros on Friday, while Mali travel to Rabat for a crunch showdown against Morocco. Can Salah finally lift Afcon trophy as Morocco eye home glory? All you need to know about Afcon 2025 Moses Sichone made his debut on the bench for Zambia after missing two friendly matches last month with food poisoning Mali will feel the most disappointed after creating the better opportunities, with Dorgeles side-footing narrowly wide before the penalty was awarded and Sinayoko going close to making it 2-0 when he fired inches past the right-hand post. For Eagles coach Tom Saintfiet, who is at his third Afcon after leading The Gambia at the 2021 and 2023 editions, the immediate task will be how to make his team more clinical before their match against the host nation. Yet Zambia will be encouraged by the result following the departure of former Chelsea manager Avram Grant in October after their woeful 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign. His replacement Moses Sichone missed both their friendlies last month through illness, and is now embroiled in a row over his coaching badges. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has told Zambia that Sichone's Uefa A License is not good enough for the 48-year-old to be officially listed as a head coach at the finals. The continent's governing body insists he must have a Caf A or Uefa Pro Licence to be officially named in that position. However, since he had a contract with Zambia's FA as an assistant to Grant before the new rule kicked in he has been allowed to sit on the bench under the title of assistant coach. Last Updated 22nd December 2025 at 18: 58 Please Note: All times UK. Tables are subject to change. The BBC is not responsible for any changes that may be made. Manager: Tom Saintfiet Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Moses Sichone Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Tom Saintfiet Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 Manager: Moses Sichone Formation: 4 - 2 - 3 - 1 CAF Africa Cup of Nations All competitions All competitions All competitions Match ends, Mali 1, Zambia 1. Second Half ends, Mali 1, Zambia 1. Foul by Lassine Sinayoko (Mali). Lubambo Musonda (Zambia) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Goal! Mali 1, Zambia 1. Patson Daka (Zambia) header from the centre of the box to the bottom right corner. Assisted by Mathews Banda with a cross. Attempt missed. Benson Sakala (Zambia) header from the right side of the six yard box is just a bit too high. Assisted by Kings Kangwa with a cross following a corner. Attempt blocked. Owen Tembo (Zambia) right footed shot from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Joseph Sabobo. Fourth official has announced 4 minutes of added time. Corner, Zambia. Conceded by Mamadou Sangaré. Attempt missed. Patson Daka (Zambia) header from the centre of the box is too high. Assisted by David Simukonda with a cross following a set piece situation. Foul by Amadou Dante (Mali). David Simukonda (Zambia) wins a free kick on the right wing. Substitution, Mali. Amadou Haidara replaces Kamory Doumbia. Attempt missed. Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) right footed shot from the left side of the box is close, but misses to the right. Assisted by Gaoussou Diarra. Amadou Dante (Mali) wins a free kick on the left wing. Foul by Kennedy Musonda (Zambia). Amadou Dante (Mali) wins a free kick in the defensive half. Foul by Joseph Sabobo (Zambia). Attempt blocked. Patson Daka (Zambia) header from the centre of the box is blocked. Assisted by Mathews Banda. Substitution, Zambia. Kennedy Musonda replaces Fashion Sakala. Copyright © 2025 BBC. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.