Zambia's Daka Scores Late Leveler to Earn Zambia Against Mali in Afcon.
The Leicester City forward brought to a close a extended goal dry spell for Zambia with his late header in Casablanca.
Zambia's star striker was the the savior for the Zambian side as his dying-moments header earned a thrilling 1-1 tie against Mali at the 2025 continental finals in Casablanca.
Mali Takes Early Initiative
Lassine Sinayoko had broken the deadlock just after the hour mark in the Group A fixture at the Stade Mohammed V, lashing home from point-blank range after his first effort from a set-piece had been parried.
Mali dictated the play and had an golden chance to take the lead in the final moments of the first half after a Malian forward was brought down in the penalty area by Zambian defender Matthews Banda.
El Bilal Toure stepped up for Mali but his powerful strike was expertly kept out by Zambia shot-stopper Willard Mwanza.
The Striker's Dramatic Response
Daka eventually secured a draw for the former champions, who were for the most part dominated by the aerial strength of their opponents until Banda's pinpoint pass was met by the forward.
Tournament Outlook
This draw leaves both sides a couple of points behind host nation Morocco in the group standings after Morocco claimed victory in their first match 2-0 against the Coelacanths on Sunday.
Chipolopolo will stay in Casablanca to face their next game against Comoros on the coming Friday, while Mali travel to the capital for a pivotal encounter against Morocco.
