🔗 Share this article Zambia's Daka Scores Late Leveler to Earn Zambia Versus Mali at Afcon. The Leicester City forward halted a extended goal dry spell for Zambia with his late header in Morocco. Patson Daka was the the savior for the Zambian side as his injury-time header earned a thrilling 1-1 tie against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Eagles Seize First-Half Control The Malian attacker had broken the deadlock around the hour mark in the tournament's opening group clash at the Stade Mohammed V, firing in from close range after his initial attempt from a corner kick had been parried. Mali controlled the tempo and were awarded an golden chance to take the lead in the closing stages of the opening period after Nene Dorgeles was fouled in the box by Chipolopolo defender Matthews Banda. The designated penalty taker stepped up for the Eagles but his powerful strike was expertly kept out by Chipolopolo goalkeeper Willard Mwanza. The Striker's Late Header Daka eventually rescued a draw for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were largely outmuscled by the physical dominance of their opponents until the defender's lofted cross was met by the attacker. Tournament Table The result leaves both sides two points behind tournament hosts Morocco in the group standings after Morocco claimed victory in their opening game 2-0 against Comoros at the weekend. Zambia will remain in Casablanca to play their second fixture against their next opponents on the coming Friday, while Mali travel to the capital for a crunch match against the host nation.