Zambia's Daka Grabs Injury-Time Equaliser for Zambia Versus Mali in Afcon.
Patson Daka ended a extended goal barren run for Zambia with his late header in Casablanca.
Patson Daka proved to be the savior for Chipolopolo as his stoppage-time header secured a dramatic 1-1 draw against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Mali Takes First-Half Lead
The Malian attacker had given his side the lead around the hour mark in the Group A clash at the Stade Mohammed V, firing in from point-blank range after his initial attempt from a set-piece had been parried.
Mali dictated the play and were awarded an opportunity to take the lead in the closing stages of the first half after a Malian forward was tripped in the penalty area by Chipolopolo defender Matthews Banda.
The designated penalty taker stepped up for Mali but his low effort was brilliantly parried by Zambia shot-stopper Willard Mwanza.
Daka's Dramatic Intervention
Daka eventually secured a point for the former champions, who were for the most part dominated by the physical dominance of the Malians until Banda's pinpoint pass was pounced upon 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 Comoros on Sunday.
Chipolopolo will remain in Casablanca to face their second fixture against Comoros on the coming Friday, while Mali travel to Rabat for a crunch showdown against Morocco.
