Zambia shares the spoils with Mali after equalizing late

Patson Daka of Zambia came back from behind to force a 1-1 draw with Mali in their opening Group A match at the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Monday thanks to a magnificent diving header in stoppage time.

With Daka jumping through the air to drive home Mathews Banda’s curling cross two minutes into stoppage time at the end of the game, Mali, who had appeared to be in control for the majority of the match, paid the price for sitting back in the closing moments as Zambia mounted a late comeback.

After his strike partner El Bilal Toure’s penalty was saved in the first half, Lassine Sinayoko exploited careless defending to give Mali a lead in the 62nd minute.

Dorgeles Nene was trying to clear the ball away from Mali’s dangerous winger when defender Banda caught his heel, resulting in a VAR check and the awarding of the penalty. However, Zambian goalie Willard Mwanza made a great stop on Toure’s penalty kick in the 42nd minute.

Nene’s jinxing runs down the left wing caused Zambia’s defense a great lot of trouble, and Mali appeared to be on their way to an easy three-point haul. Sinayoko and El Toure also proved to be a formidable frontline combo.

After fifteen minutes, Sinayoko grabbed control from Zambia’s defense and may have scored the game’s opening goal, but his shot was saved.

Hero, save the penalty Mwanza had no chance of winning the Mali goal since El Toure’s attempt from a corner was first stopped, then Sinayoko grabbed the rebound and attempted another shot, which was also blocked, but the ball fell to his right foot, allowing the Ligue 1 striker to score from close range. Unexpectedly, as the corner floated in, Zambia’s defense was completely at sea.

Zambia Responds

Zambia rallied after conceding the goal, and they had multiple near-miss opportunities prior to Daka’s spectacular equalizer while Mali tried to absorb the pressure.

With around fifteen minutes remaining, captain Fashion Sakala had an attempt at the back post blocked, and shortly after, Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra pulled Dominic Chanda’s incredible overhead attempt out of the air.

Zambia’s next match is against Comoros in Casablanca on Friday, while Mali hosts Morocco in Rabat.

Morocco is at the top of the standings after defeating Comoros 2-0 in Rabat on Sunday to begin the competition.

Group B action begins later on Monday when Egypt plays Zimbabwe in Agadir and Angola and South Africa meet in Marrakech.