Patson Daka Grabs Stoppage-Time Leveler to Earn Zambia Versus Mali in Afcon.
Patson Daka halted a lengthy goal dry spell for Zambia with his late header in Casablanca.
Zambia's star striker proved to be the savior for Chipolopolo as his injury-time header earned a dramatic 1-1 share of the points against Mali at the Afcon 2025 in Casablanca.
Eagles Seize First-Half Initiative
The Malian attacker had put Mali ahead around the hour mark in the Group A encounter at the Stade Mohammed V, firing in from point-blank range after his initial attempt from a set-piece had been blocked.
Mali dominated possession and had an opportunity to take the lead in the final moments of the first half after a Malian forward was tripped in the penalty area by Zambian defender Matthews Banda.
El Bilal Toure took responsibility for the Eagles but his powerful strike was expertly kept out by Zambia shot-stopper Willard Mwanza.
The Striker's Heroic Response
The Leicester City man eventually salvaged a point for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were for the most part dominated by the physical dominance of the Malians until Banda's delivery into the box was powered home by the attacker.
Group A Outlook
The result leaves both sides two points behind host nation Morocco in the group standings after Morocco claimed victory in their opening game 2-0 against Comoros at the weekend.
Zambia will stay in the city to face their next game against their next opponents on Friday, while The Eagles journey to Rabat for a crunch match against Morocco.
