ZAMBIA managed a dramatic 1-1 draw with Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) opening match in Casablanca. Patson Daka scored a last-minute equalizer, helping Zambia avoid a loss and now having only lost one of their last six matches against Mali.
ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT / AFP
Mali had an early chance when Dorgeles Nene was given space inside the box, but his shot went wide of the right post.
The first half wasn’t very action-packed, with few clear chances created.
A corner found Touré unmarked, and after struggling to control the ball, Sinayoko tried to clear but his shot was blocked.
The ball came back to him, and he scored from close range to put Mali ahead.
Zambia, who haven’t been strong in attack, seemed to be on the back foot after the goal, but in the final moments of the game, Daka headed in a cross from Banda to equalize in the second minute of stoppage time, causing a massive celebration among the Zambia fans.
Mali was upset by their missed chances earlier in the game.
While they remain unbeaten in their last 14 AFCON opening matches, they are now behind group leaders Morocco.