Mali have been left shocked as a late Patson Daka equaliser earned Zambia a 1–1 draw of their second Africa Cup of Nations Group A match, a end result that retains the group finely balanced heading into the following spherical of fixtures.

Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet set Mali up in a well-known 4-2-3-1 formation regardless of lacking midfielder Yves Bissouma because the Tottenham Hotspur participant remains to be recovering from an ankle damage suffered earlier within the season.

Zambia head coach Moses Sichone mirrored Mali’s form, deploying captain Vogue Sakala on the left wing whereas Leicester Metropolis striker Patson Daka led the road.

Mali asserted management from the opening exchanges, dominating possession and dictating the tempo within the first half. Their fast passing and fluid motion repeatedly stretched the Zambian again line, with goalkeeper Willard Mwanza producing a collection of necessary saves to maintain his facet within the contest. The Eagles’ greatest likelihood earlier than the interval got here within the forty second minute when Dorgeles Nene was fouled within the field after a harmful cutback from the suitable. A VAR overview confirmed the choice, however El Bilal Touré didn’t convert from the spot, his low effort nicely saved by Mwanza.

The strain ultimately informed shortly after the hour mark. A poorly defended nook kick left Lassine Sinayoko unmarked inside the realm, and though his first try was blocked, the winger reacted quickest to fireplace house the rebound and provides Mali a deserved lead within the 61st minute.

Compelled to chase the sport, Zambia dedicated extra males ahead, opening up the competition within the remaining half hour. Either side squandered probabilities in an end-to-end spell, with Mali unable to place the match to mattress and Zambia rising in perception because the clock ticked down.

That persistence was rewarded within the dying moments. Proper-back Mathews Banda delivered a exact in-swinging cross, and Daka rose to fulfill it, steering a strong header previous goalkeeper Djigui Diarra to grab a dramatic equaliser.

Mali pushed ahead looking for a late winner, however referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan’s remaining whistle confirmed a 1–1 draw. The end result leaves Mali second and Zambia third in Group A, behind Morocco and forward of Comoros. Each groups return to motion on Friday, December 26, with Mali going through hosts Morocco and Zambia taking up Comoros.