Patson Daka headed a dramatic stoppage-time equaliser as Zambia snatched a point from the jaws of defeat against Mali in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Casablanca.
The Leicester City striker rose unmarked to meet Mathews Banda’s teasing cross and power home a diving header in the second minute of added time, sparking wild celebrations amongst the Chipolopolo supporters.
Mali had dominated for much of the contest and appeared destined for all three points after Lassine Sinayoko’s 61st-minute strike, but their inability to see out the match proved costly.
The Eagles squandered a glorious opportunity to establish a two-goal cushion when El Bilal Touré saw his 41st-minute penalty saved brilliantly by Zambian goalkeeper Willard Mwanza, diving low to his left to keep his side in the contest.
Tom Saintfiet’s side controlled possession and created numerous chances but were made to pay for failing to convert their superiority into a more commanding scoreline.
For Zambia, the result extends their strong recent record against Mali, having lost just once in their last six meetings between the nations.
From the opening whistle, Mali stamped their authority on proceedings. Their attacking trio of Sinayoko, Touré and the lively Dorgeles Nene caused persistent problems for Zambia’s backline with their movement and quick passing combinations.
Nene was involved in much of Mali’s best work. Inside the opening five minutes, he found space in the penalty area but sent his effort narrowly wide when well-placed.
The Eagles continued to press and probe, with Zambia struggling to gain any foothold in the match. Moses Sichone’s side were pinned back deep in their own half for extended periods.
Mali’s dominance looked set to be rewarded when they were awarded a penalty following a VAR review. Banda caught Nene’s heel as he attempted to clear the danger, leaving Romanian referee Radu Petrescu with little option but to point to the spot.
However, Mwanza produced a crucial intervention, diving to his left to push away Touré’s penalty and keep the scores level heading into the interval, despite Mali’s overwhelming territorial advantage.
The pattern continued after the break. Mali retained control whilst Zambia failed to register a single shot until the 73rd minute, such was their struggle to create any meaningful attacking threat.
The breakthrough finally arrived just after the hour mark. From a corner kick, the ball found Touré unmarked, and after his initial effort was blocked, Sinayoko reacted quickest to fire home the rebound from close range.
The Auxerre forward’s goal appeared to have settled matters. Mali looked comfortable in possession and managed the game well, sitting deeper to protect their advantage.
Gaoussou Diarra attempted an acrobatic effort which was collected safely by Mwanza, but Mali seemed in control as the match entered its final stages.
As time ticked away, Zambia began to push forward with increasing desperation. Captain Fashion Sakala had an effort blocked at the back post with 15 minutes remaining, whilst Dominic Chanda’s spectacular overhead kick was plucked from the air by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
The pressure finally told deep into stoppage time. Banda delivered a high, curling cross from the right flank and Daka escaped his markers to throw himself at the ball, directing a powerful diving header beyond Diarra’s reach.
The goal sparked scenes of jubilation amongst the Zambian players and supporters, whilst Mali’s squad were left shell-shocked, having appeared certainties for victory just moments earlier.
Mali coach Saintfiet made no attempt to hide his disappointment at surrendering two points so late in proceedings.
“The equaliser was very painful,” the Belgian said. “We were aiming to score three goals in this match. Our difficulties began after the missed penalty.
“I would have preferred to take all three points against Zambia, especially after controlling the game for 90 minutes. This equaliser felt like a victory for Zambia and a defeat for us.”
Zambia boss Sichone praised his side’s resilience and determination to fight until the final whistle.
“My players did the job against Mali. It was our opening match and it was not easy,” he said.
“We conceded a goal at an unexpected moment – a gift we gave away – and that is something we must correct. A match lasts 90 minutes and you should never give up. That is why I pushed my players right to the end.”
The result leaves Morocco as sole leaders of Group A following their 2-0 victory over Comoros on Sunday.
Mali face a daunting test on Friday when they travel to Rabat to take on the tournament hosts, whilst Zambia return to Casablanca to face Comoros in what could prove a crucial encounter in the battle for qualification.
Match details
Zambia: Mwanza, Lubambo, Sunzu, Musonda, Banda, Mwape, Chaiwa, Sakala (c), Chanda, Kangwa, Daka
Mali: Diarra, Sacko, Niakate, Kouyate, Diarra, Bissouma, Doumbia, Nene, Sinayoko, Toure, Haidara
