Patson Daka Scores Injury-Time Leveler to Earn Zambia Against Mali in Afcon.
Patson Daka ended a lengthy goal dry spell for Zambia with his late header in Casablanca.
Zambia's star striker emerged as the savior for his nation as his stoppage-time header earned a nail-biting 1-1 tie against Mali at the Afcon 2025 in Morocco.
Mali Takes First-Half Control
Lassine Sinayoko had broken the deadlock just after the 60-minute mark in the tournament's opening group encounter at the Stade Mohammed V, lashing home from point-blank range after his initial attempt from a corner kick had been parried.
Mali controlled the tempo and had an opportunity to take the lead in the final moments of the opening period after Nene Dorgeles was brought down in the box by Zambian defender Matthews Banda.
El Bilal Toure took responsibility for Mali but his well-hit shot was superbly saved by Zambia shot-stopper Willard Mwanza.
Daka's Dramatic Intervention
Daka later secured a point for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were largely outmuscled by the robust play of the Malians until the defender's delivery into the box was met by the striker.
Group A Table
This draw means both sides a couple of points behind host nation the Atlas Lions in the Group A table after the Atlas Lions claimed victory in their first match 2-0 against the Coelacanths at the weekend.
Zambia will stay in the city to face their next game against Comoros on the coming Friday, while The Eagles journey to Rabat for a crunch showdown against Morocco.
