22 December 2025
Zambia held Mali to a 1-1 draw on Monday in their opening match of Group A at the Africa Cup of Nations, being held in Morocco. Mali missed a golden opportunity to take the lead when they failed to convert a penalty in the 42nd minute. Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza saved El Bilal Touré's spot-kick.
However, Mali took the lead through Lassine Seynayoko in the 61st minute.
But Zambia, nicknamed the "Copper Bullets," snatched a valuable point in stoppage time when Patson Daka scored the equalizer in the second minute of added time, leaving both teams with a single point each. Mali now prepares for a tough match in the second round against Morocco, the tournament hosts who won their opening match against Comoros 2-0, while Zambia will face Comoros. Both matches will be played on Friday.
