Zambia conjured a thrilling last-gasp equalizer to snatch a 1-1 draw against Mali in their Group A opener at the Africa Cup of Nations, as Patson Daka soared to head home in stoppage time and ignite the crowd.

For much of the match, the Copper Bullets seemed headed for defeat, unable to break Mali’s grip on possession or disrupt their rhythm. From the outset, Mali’s attacking pair, El Bilal Touré and Lassine Sinayoko, relentlessly tested Zambia’s defence. When Touré stepped up to take a first-half penalty, it looked like Mali would seize the lead, but Willard Mwanza’s heroic save kept Zambia’s hopes alive going into halftime.

Mali’s relentless pressure finally paid off in the 62nd minute. Pouncing on a fleeting lapse in Zambia’s defence, Sinayoko was quickest to react, smashing the ball into the net to hand Mali a well-earned advantage. With the lead secured, Mali eased into control, expertly stifling Zambia’s attempts to respond.

But Mali’s cautious tactics backfired. As the clock ticked down, Zambia surged forward with fresh determination, unwilling to surrender. In the dying seconds, substitute Mathews Banda whipped in a sublime curling cross. Patson Daka soared above the defenders, meeting the ball with a breathtaking diving header that flew past the Mali keeper, unleashing a wave of jubilation among Zambian fans and players.

Daka’s late heroics secured a hard-fought point and showcased Zambia’s never-say-die attitude, while Mali were left regretting their missed opportunities and conservative approach. The result leaves Group A wide open as the tournament moves forward.

Elsewhere, the spotlight turned to Group B, where Angola clashed with South Africa in Marrakech, followed by Egypt’s showdown with Zimbabwe in Agadir, adding more excitement to an already dramatic tournament kickoff.