CASABLANCA-(MaraviPost)-Zambia and Mali settled for a 1–1 draw in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament currently underway in Morocco.

The encounter attracted huge interest across the continent, with fans eager to see how the two nations would begin their quest for continental glory.

Mali started the match on the front foot, enjoying more possession and applying early pressure on the Zambian defense.

Zambia remained composed at the back, choosing to absorb pressure while looking for opportunities to counterattack through their pacey forwards.

The first half ended without goals as both teams struggled to turn their chances into meaningful breakthroughs.

Mali finally broke the deadlock in the 61st minute when Lassine Sinayoko struck to put his side ahead.

Zambia, however, refused to give up and responded by committing more players forward in search of an equaliser.

Tactical changes by the Zambian technical panel injected fresh energy into the team as the match approached its closing stages.

With time running out, Mali dropped deeper, allowing Zambia to dominate possession and pile pressure in the final third.

The pressure paid off in stoppage time when Patson Daka scored a dramatic late goal to restore parity for Zambia.

Daka’s equaliser sparked wild celebrations among Zambian fans and frustration in the Malian camp.

The match ended 1–1, with both teams earning a point in what could prove to be a crucial Group encounter.

On Sunday, tournament hosts Morocco had kicked off the competition with a solid 2–0 win over Comoros.