Zambia's Daka Grabs Injury-Time Equaliser to Earn Zambia Versus Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Patson Daka brought to a close a 20-month goal dry spell for Zambia with his late header in Morocco.
Patson Daka was the the hero for his nation as his stoppage-time header earned a dramatic 1-1 tie against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.
Eagles Seize Early Lead
The Malian attacker had put Mali ahead just after the 60-minute mark in the Group A fixture at the Stade Mohammed V, lashing home from close range after his first effort from a set-piece had been blocked.
Mali dictated the play and were awarded an golden chance to take the lead in the closing stages of the first half after Nene Dorgeles was brought down in the box by Chipolopolo defender Matthews Banda.
El Bilal Toure stepped up for the Eagles but his well-hit shot was brilliantly parried by Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
Daka's Heroic Response
Daka later rescued a point for the former champions, who were for the most part outmuscled by the physical dominance of their opponents until the defender's delivery into the box was powered home by the striker.
Group A Outlook
The result leaves each team a couple of points behind tournament hosts Morocco in the Group A table after Morocco won their first match 2-0 against the Coelacanths at the weekend.
Chipolopolo will remain in the city to play their next game against their next opponents on the coming Friday, while Mali journey to Rabat for a pivotal encounter against Morocco.
