Zambia strike late to hold Mali in AFCON opener

Leicester City forward Patson Daka nodded in a goal during stoppage time, allowing Zambia to secure a 1-1 tie against Mali in their debut Africa Cup of Nations fixture on Monday.

Daka, with only one goal to his name for Leicester in the English Championship this term, launched himself at a cross from Mathews Banda in the second minute of added time, clinching an unexpected point for the Chipolopolo.

Mali controlled large parts of the Group A clash, yet El Bilal Toure wasted a spot kick towards the end of the opening period at Casablanca's Stade Mohammed V.

Zambia's custodian Willard Mwanza stopped Toure's effort from the penalty spot, which came after a VAR review penalised Banda for fouling Nene Dorgeles inside the area.

Mali took the lead shortly past the 60th minute, as Auxerre player Lassine Sinayoko netted on his second try from near point blank after a set piece corner.

That said, Daka's timely strike prevented Mali from victory, and this outcome benefits tournament hosts Morocco, who defeated Comoros 2-0 in the section's initial game on Sunday.

Morocco faces Mali next in Rabat this Friday, whereas Zambia, winless in their last 10 AFCON outings since claiming the title back in 2012, will take on Comoros.