🔗 Share this article Patson Daka Nets Injury-Time Goal to Earn Zambia Versus Mali at Afcon. Patson Daka halted a lengthy goal drought for Zambia with his late header in Casablanca. Zambia's star striker proved to be the match-saver for the Zambian side as his dying-moments header clinched a thrilling 1-1 tie against Mali at the Afcon 2025 in Morocco. Eagles Seize First-Half Initiative Lassine Sinayoko had put Mali ahead around the hour mark in the Group A fixture at the Stade Mohammed V, drilling home from point-blank range after his initial attempt from a set-piece had been parried. The Eagles controlled the tempo and had an golden chance to take the lead in the final moments of the opening period after a Malian forward was brought down in the penalty area by Chipolopolo defender Matthews Banda. El Bilal Toure stepped up for Mali but his low effort was expertly kept out by Chipolopolo shot-stopper Willard Mwanza. Daka's Dramatic Response The Leicester City man eventually salvaged a draw for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were largely overwhelmed by the physical dominance of the Malians until Banda's pinpoint pass was powered home by the forward. Tournament Outlook The result means both sides two points behind host nation the Atlas Lions in the group standings after Morocco won their first match 2-0 against Comoros at the weekend. Chipolopolo will stay in Casablanca to play their second fixture against their next opponents on the coming Friday, while Mali journey to Rabat for a crunch match against Morocco.