Dramatic Last-Minute Goals Define Thrilling Start to Africa Cup of Nations

Dramatic Last-Minute Goals Define Thrilling Start to Africa Cup of Nations The opening days of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have been defined by stunning, last-gasp goals, with multiple matches decided in the dying moments of play. The continent's premier international football competition, being held in Ivory Coast, has already delivered high drama and unexpected results [32394][40057]. The trend began in the Group A opener between Zambia and Mali. Mali dominated the match and seemed certain to claim all three points, only for Zambia's Patson Daka to score a spectacular equalizer with a diving header in the 92nd minute, snatching a 1-1 draw [32394][32307]. The drama continued into the second day. In another Group A fixture, South Africa's Bafana Bafana secured a narrow 2-1 victory over a resilient Angola [32603]. The most shocking finish came in the day's final game, where tournament favorites Egypt were pushed to the limit by Zimbabwe. After falling behind, Egypt equalized before superstar Mohamed Salah scored a winning goal in the final minute to secure a 2-1 victory [32603]. The late heroics have drastically altered the early tournament landscape. Mali was left frustrated after conceding a late equalizer, while Egypt's last-gasp win provided a crucial three points [32603]. Morocco, a tournament favorite, has already shown strong form, finishing its qualifying group unbeaten and securing the top spot ahead of the finals [37884]. The tournament continues with all teams vying for a place in the knockout stages, with more drama expected as the group phase progresses. Daka's Last-Minute Header Stuns Mali in AFCON Opener Sports Weekend: Darts Final, Cricket, and Africa's Cup Kick Off Daka's Dramatic Dive Saves Zambia in Afcon Thriller Late Salah Strike Seals Dramatic AFCON Wins for Egypt, South Africa Morocco Storms Through, Mali Advances With 10 Men in Dramatic AFCON Qualifiers