Zambia snatched a dramatic point against Mali after Patson Daka struck deep into stoppage time to earn a 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations encounter on Monday.
Mali had appeared on course for victory after controlling much of the contest, but Zambia’s refusal to give up paid off at the death.
The opening half ended without goals, though Mali were clearly on the front foot. They enjoyed more of the ball and fashioned the better opportunities, including a golden chance shortly before the interval. In the 40th minute, Mali were awarded a penalty, but El Bilal Touré was denied as Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza produced an excellent save.
The breakthrough eventually arrived just after the hour mark. Zambia failed to deal with a corner, and after the initial attempt was blocked, Lassine Sinayoko reacted quickest to smash the loose ball into the net, giving Mali a deserved lead in the 62nd minute.
Buoyed by the goal, Mali pressed forward in search of a second, while Zambia found it difficult to create meaningful openings.
The Chipolopolo relied heavily on aerial balls and dead-ball situations as they tried to stay within touching distance.
Their efforts were finally rewarded in added time. In the second minute of stoppage time, Mathews Banda delivered a deep cross into the area, and Daka timed his run perfectly, slipping between defenders before heading past the goalkeeper to level the score.
The late equaliser left Mali stunned and ensured the points were shared, despite their attacking dominance. Zambia’s resilience and last-gasp finish ultimately denied Mali a victory that had seemed assured.
