Zambia's Daka Grabs Injury-Time Equaliser to Earn Zambia Against Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Patson Daka was the the hero for his nation as his stoppage-time header clinched a nail-biting 1-1 tie against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Casablanca.

Eagles Seize Early Initiative

The Malian attacker had put Mali ahead shortly after the 60-minute mark in the Group A encounter at the Stade Mohammed V, firing in from close range after his first effort from a set-piece had been parried.

The Eagles controlled the tempo and had an golden chance to take the lead in the closing stages of the opening period after a Malian forward was tripped in the box by Zambian defender Matthews Banda.

El Bilal Toure stepped up for Mali but his low effort was expertly kept out by Zambia shot-stopper Willard Mwanza.

Daka's Heroic Intervention

Daka eventually secured a draw for the 2012 Afcon winners, who were largely overwhelmed by the physical dominance of the Malians until the defender's lofted cross was met by the forward.

Group A Standings

The result leaves each team two points behind host nation the Atlas Lions in the Group A table after Morocco won their opening game 2-0 against Comoros on Sunday.

Chipolopolo will remain in Casablanca to face their next game against Comoros on Friday, while The Eagles travel to Rabat for a pivotal match against the host nation.