Patson Daka scored a late goal to save Zambia from losing in a 1-1 draw against Tanzania in a 2023 Africa Cup of Nations match on Sunday.
Tanzania took the lead after just 11 minutes when Simon Msuva scored a goal set up by Mbwana Samatta.
Zambia had a chance to equalize, but Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala narrowly missed a cross.
Zambia’s hopes were further dampened when Roderick Kabwe received a red card for elbowing Samatta right before halftime.
However, Zambia managed to overcome the disadvantage and scored a goal in the final minutes through Patson Daka’s header from a corner kick by Clatous Chama.
Group F is still undecided, as all four teams, including Morocco and DR Congo, have a chance to advance to the Round of 16 in the Africa Cup of Nations.
After a long wait to play at Afcon, Daka arrived in Ivory Coast with high expectations for him.
However, he did not perform well in Zambia’s Group F opener against DR Congo and spent most of the Tanzania match feeling frustrated.
Finally, his moment came, and he scored his first Afcon goal, which was a crucial strike that saved Chipolopolo from losing.
It was another disappointing evening for Tanzania, who have not won a match at the Afcon finals in eight attempts.
Despite earning a point, the Taifa Stars are currently at the bottom of Group F and need to win their last game against DR Congo on Wednesday in order to advance to the knockout phase.
Zambia still has a chance to reach the Round of 16. However, the Southern African giants face a tough final group game against Morocco, the top-ranked team in Africa, on Wednesday.
