Zambia were locked in a tense Group A encounter with Mali, a game that tested their resilience from start to finish. The Copper Bullets struggled to impose themselves in the first half as Mali controlled possession and created the clearer chances. Mali were even handed a golden opportunity to take the lead from the penalty spot following a VAR review, but Zambia goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga came to the rescue, producing a strong save to keep the score level and maintain hope for his side.
The breakthrough eventually arrived after the break. In the 62nd minute, Mali finally made their dominance count when Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest inside the penalty area to slot home from close range, giving Mali a deserved 1–0 lead. The goal shifted momentum firmly in Mali’s favour, and Zambia were forced to chase the game as time began to slip away.
As the clock ticked down, Zambia pushed forward desperately, knowing defeat in their opening match would put immediate pressure on their AFCON campaign. That pressure paved the way for Patson Daka’s defining moment. Deep into stoppage time, Zambia launched one final attack, with a high cross delivered into the box from the right flank. Daka timed his movement perfectly and threw himself at the ball, powering a diving header beyond the Mali goalkeeper in the 92nd minute to level the match at 1–1.
The equaliser sent the Zambian bench and supporters into wild celebration, but what followed quickly turned jubilation into concern. In celebrating his goal, Daka attempted an acrobatic move — described by many fans as a back flip or improvised somersault — but landed awkwardly, appearing to strain his neck. The striker was visibly shaken, prompting anxious reactions both inside the stadium and across social media, with alarming rumours spreading rapidly online.
It was later confirmed that Patson Daka did not break his neck, despite the frightening moment. While the celebration mishap caused a brief scare, the Leicester City forward was able to walk off and did not suffer a serious injury. Zambian officials and teammates quickly reassured fans as calm returned after the final whistle.
The match ultimately ended Zambia 1–1 Mali, with Lassine Sinayoko scoring for Mali and Patson Daka grabbing Zambia’s dramatic late equaliser. The result leaves both teams with a point apiece in Group A, keeping qualification hopes alive heading into the remaining fixtures.
For Zambia, the draw felt almost like a victory given how late Daka struck, while Mali were left to rue missed chances, including the earlier penalty. Beyond the result, however, the night will be remembered for Daka’s heroics and the reminder that goal celebrations, no matter how emotional, can sometimes carry unexpected risks.
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