AFCON 2025: Mali and Zambia share the spoils in Group A Opener
The Eagles of Mali and Zambia’s Chipolopolo played out a dramatic 1–1 draw in their opening Group A match of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 at the Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca, Nigeriasoccernet.com reports
Mali were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead late in the first half when the referee awarded a penalty after a VAR review. However, El Bilal Touré failed to capitalize, as Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza guessed correctly and produced a brilliant save to keep the scores level.
The teams went into the break scoreless, with Zambia buoyed by Mwanza’s heroics.
Mali eventually broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute when Lassine Sinayoko struck to put the Eagles ahead, appearing to give his side a winning advantage.
But Zambia refused to be denied. Deep into injury time, the Chipolopolo found a dramatic equaliser. Patson Daka rose highest to nod home from close range in the 90+2 minute, rescuing a vital point for Zambia.
The thrilling encounter ended 1–1, with both teams sharing the spoils in an evenly contested Group A opener.
Uche Dozie
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