Patson Daka scores late to deny Mali victory

Zambia came from a goal down to earn a well deserved 1-1 draw against Mali in Group A of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations opener at the Stade Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca.

Mali took the lead in the 61st minute with a goal from Lassine Sinayoko, but Zambia equalized in stoppage time with Leicester City forward Patson Daka heading in an equaliser in stoppage time.

Mali dominated possession but struggled to convert chances in the early exchanges of the match. Zambia equally struggled to create any chances in the game as both sides took a cautious approach.

The match was intense with Mali threatening while Zambia were relying on counter attacks.

Mali won a penalty just before the break after a VAR check with Zambian defender Mathews Banda committing an infingement in the box.

However El Bilal Touré’s shot was saved by Zambia’s goalkeeper Willard Mwanza ensuring that the teams go into the dressing rooms level.

In the 61st Mali took the lead through Lassine Sinayoko’s goal from a corner kick. A defensive howler amongst the Zambians left Sinayoko unmarked who pounced to lash the ball into the roof of the net.

Zambia pushed for an equalizer, and their efforts paid off with a late goal, leveling the score with Patson Daka beating two Mali defenders to head in from a Mathews Banda cross.

The draw means Morocco top Group A with 3 points while Zambia and Mali have a point each. Comoros have no point. Next for Mali is Morocco in Rabat on Friday 26 December while Zambia will tackle Comoros on the same day in Casablanca.

MATCH STATS SUMMARY

Mali: 53% possession, 13 shots, 5 on target-

Zambia: 47% possession, 4 shots, 2 on target