Patson Daka Scores Stoppage-Time Equaliser to Earn Zambia Against Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Patson Daka halted a 20-month goal dry spell for Zambia with his late header in Casablanca.
Zambia's star striker proved to be the match-saver for the Zambian side as his dying-moments header earned a nail-biting 1-1 share of the points against Mali at the 2025 continental finals in Casablanca.
Eagles Seize First-Half Lead
Lassine Sinayoko had given his side the lead around the 60-minute mark in the Group A encounter at the iconic Casablanca stadium, firing in from point-blank range after his first effort from a set-piece had been deflected.
Mali dictated the play and were awarded an golden chance to take the lead in the final moments of the opening period after Nene Dorgeles was fouled in the penalty area by Chipolopolo 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 Header
Daka later rescued a point for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were for the most part overwhelmed by the robust play of their opponents until Banda's lofted cross was pounced upon by the forward.
Group A Table
This draw leaves each team a couple of points behind tournament hosts the Atlas Lions in the group standings after the Atlas Lions won their first match 2-0 against the Coelacanths on Sunday.
Zambia will remain in Casablanca to play their second fixture against Comoros on the coming Friday, while Mali travel to the capital for a crucial encounter against the host nation.
