The Tanzania national team were left heartbroken after 10-man Zambia scored a late equaliser to draw 1-1 in the two teams’ Africa Cup of Nations Group F encounter on Sunday.
Playing at the Stade San Pedro in Ivory Coast, Tanzania looked on course to pick up their first AFCON victory in 44 years when striker Simon Msuva calmly slotted home in the 11th minute.
But the Taifa Stars’ hopes were shattered by Patson Daka’s powerful 88th minute header that salvaged a point for Chipolopolo.
The first half saw Tanzania claim the early advantage as Their counterattacking style paid off. A quick break from their own half led to Msuva receiving a squared pass in acres of space inside the box. He made no mistake slotting past Zambian keeper Lawrence Mulenga.
Zambia’s chances took a major hit just before halftime when captain Roderick Kabwe was shown a second yellow card for elbowing Tanzanian skipper Mbwana Samatta. Kabwe vehemently protested the decision before being escorted off.
The sending off forced Zambia manager Avram Grant to shore up his defense, taking off striker Fashion Sakala for midfielder Kelvin Kampamba. Tanzania looked content to sit back and absorb pressure while trying to pounce on the counter.
As the game edged toward the final minutes, Zambia became more desperate for an equalizer. The breakthrough finally came in the 88th when Daka powered home a header from a corner kick. The Leicester City striker’s goal crushed Tanzanian hopes and denied them a historic victory.
The draw leaves Group F interestingly poised with all four teams still in contention ahead of the final matches on Wednesday. For Tanzania, this will feel like a golden opportunity missed to get their first AFCON win since 1980.
Zambia had their own challenges, having failed to win any of their last 8 matches at the tournament. They will however be relieved to escape with a point despite being down to 10 men for most of the match.
Morocco tops the group with 4 points, while DR Congo and Zambia each have 2 points. Tanzania remains in last place with just 1 point. All four teams still have a chance to advance to the knockouts.
The Chipolopolo face an all-important final group match against Morocco on Wednesday, while Tanzania takes on DR Congo.
