Zambia Show Fighting Spirit as Daka Snatches Dramatic Draw Against Mali

The Chipolopolo showed resilience ain their opening AFCON game earning an important point against strong opponents Mali through Patson Daka's dramatic injury-time header in their 1-1 draw at Casablanca's Stade Mohammed V.

Despite facing a physical and organized Malian side who took the lead through Lassine Sinayoko after the hour mark, Zambia did not give up. Goalkeeper Willard Mwanza made a vital penalty save from El Bilal Toure late in the first half, keeping his team within striking distance and demonstrating the fighting spirit of the 2012 African champions.

The persistence paid off when Leicester City forward Daka rose to meet Matthews Banda's perfectly weighted cross deep into stoppage time, sending Zambian fans into celebration and securing a well-deserved point.

The result keeps Zambia's qualification hopes alive in Group A, sitting just two points behind hosts Morocco following their opening round. The Chipolopolo remain in Casablanca to face Comoros on Friday, where another positive result could propel them towards the knockout stages.