AFCON Opener: Zambia Snatch Point As Mali Rue Missed Penalty

Leicester City forward, Patson Daka, scored a dramatic injury-time header to rescue a 1-1 draw for Zambia against Mali in their opening Group A match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Monday.

Daka, who has struggled for form at club level with just one goal for Leicester City in the English Championship this season, showed sharp instincts when it mattered most, diving to meet a cross from Mathews Banda in the second minute of added time.

The late equaliser earned the Chipolopolo an unlikely point after they had been largely outplayed for much of the encounter.

Mali dominated possession and created clearer opportunities, but were left to regret missed chances, particularly a penalty late in the first half.

El Bilal Touré failed to convert from the spot after Zambia’s Banda was penalised for catching Nene Dorgeles in the penalty area following a VAR review. Touré’s effort was saved by Zambia goalkeeper, Willard Mwanza, who guessed correctly to keep his side in the contest.

The Eagles finally made their pressure count shortly after the hour mark when Auxerre forward Lassine Sinayoko opened the scoring.

Sinayoko reacted quickest from close range, firing home at the second attempt after Zambia failed to properly clear a corner kick, giving Mali what appeared to be a deserved lead.

Just as Mali looked set to claim all three points, Daka struck in dramatic fashion. The 25-year-old attacker threw himself at Banda’s teasing cross to head past the Malian goalkeeper, silencing the Malian supporters and sparking celebrations among the Zambian camp.

The draw will suit tournament hosts Morocco, who had earlier beaten Comoros 2-0 in the opening match of Group A on Sunday.

Naija News reports that Morocco are scheduled to face Mali next in Rabat on Friday, while Zambia will take on Comoros as they continue their quest to end a long AFCON winless run.

Zambia have now failed to win any of their last 10 Africa Cup of Nations matches since lifting the trophy in 2012, underlining the significance of Daka’s late intervention in keeping their campaign alive.