The second game of Group A in the AFCON 2025 ended in a thrilling 1-1 draw between Mali and Zambia. While the AFCON 1972 runners-up Mali controlled the game mostly, including missing a penalty in the first half and leading the scoreline from an hour of the game, the AFCON 2012 champions Zambia produced late desperation to secure a crucial draw with a stoppage time goal.
Both Mali and Zambia have started the tournament with one point each, while the hosts Morocco are on top of the table with three points after winning the tournament opener by 2-0 against Comoros.
Key Match Stats of Mali vs Zambia (AFCON 2025: Group A)
Match Result: Mali 1 – 1 Zambia
Possession: Mali 53% – 47% Zambia
Shots (On Target): Mali 15 (5) – 7 (2) Zambia
Yellow Cards: Mali 1 – 1 Zambia
Important Facts of Mali vs Zambia (AFCON 2025: Group A)
- Mali striker El Bilal Touré missed a penalty in the 41st minute
- Mali forward Lassine Sinayoko put his team ahead in the 61st minute from a close-range shot.
- Patson Daka equalised the scoreline for Zambia in the 2nd minute of stoppage time.
- In the first 70 minutes, Mali had 14 shots, while Zambia had no shot attempts yet. Chipolopolo played desperate football in the late stages of the game to snatch a late draw.