The result leaves host nation Morocco as the sole leaders of Group A following the first round of matches, while both Mali and Zambia sit tied for second with one point each.
Mwanza’s Heroics Keep Zambia Alive
Mali dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, showcasing the "flamboyant" football that has become their trademark. The West Africans were handed a golden opportunity to take the lead in the 42nd minute after a VAR review confirmed that Mathews Banda had fouled Nene Dorgeles in the penalty area.
However, Zambia’s goalkeeper Willard Mwanza emerged as the hero of the first half, producing a spectacular diving save to deny El Bilal Touré’s spot-kick and keep the game scoreless heading into the break.
Sinayoko Breaks the Deadlock
The Eagles’ persistence finally paid off in the 61st minute. Following a quickly taken corner that caught the Zambian defense off-guard, Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest to a loose ball in the box, firing home at the second attempt to give Mali a deserved 1-0 lead.
For much of the second half, Zambia struggled to create clear-cut chances, recording only one shot on target by the 70th minute—a stunning overhead kick from Dominic Chanda that required an equally impressive save from Malian keeper Djigui Diarra.
Daka’s Late Drama
With Mali appearing to shift into game-management mode in the closing stages, Zambia launched one final offensive in stoppage time. In the second minute of added time, Mathews Banda redeemed his earlier penalty error by delivering a pinpoint, curling cross from the right flank.
Patson Daka timed his run to perfection, ghosting between two Malian defenders to meet the ball with a powerful diving header that left Diarra with no chance. It was Daka’s first goal of the tournament and a vital contribution for a side that has struggled for form in recent months.
Group A Outlook
The draw is a significant blow to Mali, who now face a "must-win" scenario against tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat this Friday. Zambia, meanwhile, will remain in Casablanca to take on Comoros on Boxing Day, knowing that a victory would put them in a strong position to reach the knockout stages.
Group A Standings after Matchday 1:
1. Morocco — 3 pts (+2 GD)
2. Mali — 1 pt (0 GD)
3. Zambia — 1 pt (0 GD)
4.Comoros — 0 pts (-2 GD)