Daka’s Stoppage-Time Heroics Rescue Point for Zambia in AFCON Opener

Leicester City striker Patson Daka delivered a moment of pure inspiration in the second minute of stoppage time to rescue a 1-1 draw for Zambia against Mali.

In a dramatic Group A opener at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, the Copper Bullets appeared destined for defeat until Daka connected with a perfectly timed diving header from a Mathews Banda cross, silencing the Malian supporters and securing a vital point for his nation.

The first half was largely defined by moments of brilliance of Zambian goalkeeper Wilfred Mwanza. Mali established their dominance early, testing the Zambian resolve within the first fifteen minutes when Lassine Sinayoko unleashed a powerful snap-shot that forced Mwanza into a full-stretch save.

The pressure from the Eagles nearly paid off in the 42nd minute after Nene Dorgeles was clattered by Mathews Banda following an inch-perfect cross from Sinayoko. The referee immediately pointed to the penalty spot, but El Bilal Touré saw his effort thwarted by a strong palm from Mwanza, ensuring the sides remained level at the break.

Mali’s persistence finally bore fruit in the 61st minute following a frantic sequence in the Zambian penalty area. After initial goal-bound efforts from Sakala and Chanda were blocked by the defense, Sinayoko seized the loose ball to fire a clinical strike past Mwanza.

The Eagles nearly doubled their advantage just eight minutes later when Nene and Sinayoko combined once more, but Mwanza produced another superb stop to deny a curling effort. Zambia attempted a bold response shortly after as Kings Kangwa delivered a cross that led to a spectacular overhead kick attempt by defender Dominic Chanda, which was caught at point-blank range by Djigui Diarra.

Seeking to shift the momentum, Zambia introduced Joseph Sabobo and David Simukonda in a double substitution, while Mali coach Tom Saintfiet responded by replacing El Bilal Touré and Nene Dorgeles with Gaoussou Diarra and Mahamadou Doumbia.

Sinayoko had a golden opportunity to put the game out of reach in the 84th minute, but he opted for power over precision and blasted his shot wide from the left channel. Despite bringing on Amadou Haidara to solidify the midfield in the closing minutes, Mali could not withstand the final Zambian surge, which culminated in Daka’s late heroics.

Looking ahead to the next round of Group A fixtures, Mali is set to face tournament hosts Morocco on Friday, December 26th, while Zambia will look to build on this momentum when they take on Comoros.