Patson Daka’s injury-time header snatched a dramatic 1-1 draw for Zambia against a dominant Mali in their AFCON Group A opener on Monday.
Mali controlled much of the match but struggled to clinical. El Bilal Toure saw his first-half penalty saved by Zambian keeper Willard Mwanza after a VAR-assisted foul call.
The “Eagles” finally broke through in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko fired home from close range following a corner.
Just as Mali seemed set for victory, Daka rose to meet a Mathews Banda cross in the 92nd minute, securing an unlikely point for the Chipolopolo.
The result leaves hosts Morocco at the top of Group A. Zambia, who haven’t won an AFCON match since their 2012 title, will next face Comoros, while Mali prepares for a high-stakes clash against Morocco this Friday.
