Patson Daka Scores Late Goal to Earn Zambia Against Mali at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Patson Daka brought to a close a extended goal drought for Zambia with his late header in Morocco.
Patson Daka proved to be the match-saver for the Zambian side as his stoppage-time header secured a thrilling 1-1 share of the points against Mali at the Afcon 2025 in Morocco.
Eagles Seize Early Lead
Lassine Sinayoko had given his side the lead shortly after the 60-minute mark in the tournament's opening group encounter at the iconic Casablanca stadium, firing in from close range after his first effort from a corner kick had been parried.
Mali dictated the play and were awarded an opportunity to go in front in the closing stages of the first half after a Malian forward was fouled in the box by Zambian defender Matthews Banda.
El Bilal Toure stepped up for the Eagles but his low effort was superbly saved by Chipolopolo shot-stopper Willard Mwanza.
The Striker's Heroic Header
Daka later secured a point for the former champions, who were largely overwhelmed by the physical dominance of their opponents until Banda's pinpoint pass was met by the attacker.
Tournament Outlook
The result leaves each team a couple of points behind tournament hosts the Atlas Lions in the Group A table after Morocco won their opening game 2-0 against the Coelacanths on Sunday.
Chipolopolo will remain in the city to play their second fixture against their next opponents on Friday, while Mali travel to Rabat for a crunch match against the host nation.