Late Patson Daka header rescues point for Zambia's Chipolopolo against Mali

Zambia's forward Patson Daka celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group A football match vs Mali at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on December 22, 2025. [Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP]

Patson Daka struck deep into injury time to spare Zambia’s blushes, as the Chipolopolo held Mali to a 1-1 draw in their opening Group A match at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday night.

The Leicester City striker came up with the moment Zambia desperately needed, launching himself at a teasing Mathews Banda cross and powered home a header to snatch an unlikely point in the second minute of added time.