Zambia's Daka Scores Late Goal to Earn Zambia Against Mali at Afcon.
Patson Daka halted a extended goal barren run for Zambia with his dramatic header in Morocco.
Patson Daka was the the match-saver for the Zambian side as his injury-time header clinched a nail-biting 1-1 draw against Mali at the 2025 continental finals in Morocco.
Mali Takes First-Half Initiative
Lassine Sinayoko had given his side the lead around the 60-minute mark in the Group A fixture at the Stade Mohammed V, firing in from close range after his first effort from a corner kick had been deflected.
Mali controlled the tempo and were awarded an golden chance to go in front in the closing stages of the first half after Nene Dorgeles was brought down in the penalty area by Zambian defender Matthews Banda.
El Bilal Toure stepped up for the Eagles but his well-hit shot was superbly saved by Chipolopolo goalkeeper Willard Mwanza.
The Striker's Heroic Response
The Leicester City man later secured a draw for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were for the most part dominated by the physical dominance of their opponents until the defender's lofted cross was powered home by the attacker.
Tournament Table
This draw leaves both sides a couple of points behind host nation Morocco in the group standings after the Atlas Lions won their opening game 2-0 against the Coelacanths on Sunday.
Zambia will stay in the city to play their second fixture against their next opponents on the coming Friday, while Mali travel to Rabat for a crunch encounter against Morocco.
