Mali were left frustrated after settling for a 1–1 draw against Zambia in their opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Casablanca — a game they largely controlled but ultimately failed to finish off.

The West Africans dominated large spells of the contest and had the chance to take the lead before half-time, only for El Bilal Touré to miss a penalty. That moment proved costly, as Mali went into the break still searching for the breakthrough despite their superiority.

It finally arrived on 61 minutes. From a cleverly worked corner, Lassine Sinayoko found the net, seemingly putting Mali on course for a deserved victory and easing the pressure on a side expected to challenge deep into the tournament.

However, the inability to build on that advantage came back to haunt them. Zambia, who had offered little going forward, made one of their rare opportunities count when Patson Daka powered home a late header to level the score and stun the Malian bench.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

Mali - Zambia 1:1 (0:0)
Goals: Sinayoko, 61 (1:0); Daka, 92 (1:1)

Mali: Diarra Dj.; Dante Am.; Diaby A.; Fofana M.; Coulibaly W.; Dorgeles (Doumbia M., 76); Dieng Al.; Doumbia K. (Haidara A., 86); Sangaré; Toure E.B. (Diarra G., 76); Sinayoko
Substitution: Doumbia M. (from 76); Diarra G. (from 76); Haidara A. (from 86)
Bench: Diawara I.; Samassa; Traore Ha-i; Doucoure F.; Camara O.; Sissoko I.; Camara Moh.; Coulibaly L.; Doumbia M-u; Diakite G.
Yellow Cards: Dieng Al. 65

Zambia: Mwanza; Banda M.; Chanda Dominic; Chaiwa (Simukonda David, 67); Sakala B.; Musonda L.; Banda L. (Sabobo, 67); Kangwa K.; Tembo; Sakala F. (Musonda K., 79); Daka
Substitution: Simukonda David (from 67); Sabobo (from 67); Musonda K. (from 79)
Bench: Mulenga Lawrence; wansa Francis; Musonda F.; Liteta; Lahne
Yellow Cards: Simukonda David 69