A forceful header by Patson Daka in the dying moments secured a late draw for 10-man Zambia, thwarting Tanzania’s quest for their maiden victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).
Leicester City forward Daka leveled the score from Clatous Chama’s curling corner, providing a crucial boost to his team’s chances of reaching the last-16.
Tanzania gained an early advantage with Simon Msuva’s opening goal, presenting the potential for an upset in the first match under manager Adel Amrouche’s eight-game suspension. Zambia’s Rodrick Kabwe, a defender, received a second booking in the 44th minute for an aerial challenge on Mbwana Samatta.
Despite Amrouche’s absence due to a suspension from the Confederation of African Football (Caf) over remarks about Morocco, Tanzania came close to securing their first-ever Afcon win in their eighth match at the finals, spanning three appearances, following a 3-0 defeat to the Atlas Lions.
Interim head coach Hemed Suleiman Ali has the opportunity to guide Tanzania to the knockout stage for the first time in their history, provided they beat DR Congo and Zambia does not upset Morocco in the final Group F matches on Wednesday (20:00 GMT). A defeat would result in elimination, while a draw is unlikely to extend their campaign.
Zambia, having drawn 1-1 with the Leopards in their opener, understands that a victory over the World Cup semi-finalists would secure their return to the round of 16 for the first time since their 2012 Afcon triumph.
Securing a point could ensure their progression without relying on being among the top four best third-placed teams, provided the other match concludes in a draw and they surpass DR Congo’s goal tally.
Under Ali’s management, Tanzania got off to an ideal start when forward Msuva capitalized on gaining possession midway inside their opponents’ half, firing in a goal from Mbwana Samatta’s well-placed pass.
Kabwe, who had earlier delivered an inviting cross that was squandered by Kings Kangwa, received a red card for contesting a high ball with Samatta, causing the striker to fall near the technical areas.
Zambia manager Avram Grant, in close proximity to the incident, expressed his discontent to referee Djindo Louis Houngnandande, resulting in the coach receiving a booking for his protests.
Shortly after, Tanzania appealed for a penalty as Benedict Chepeshi brought down Kibu Denis, but Houngnandande, with the aid of his monitor, ruled that the foul occurred just outside the box.
In the second half, Grant made a substitution, bringing on winger Lubambo Musonda for defensive midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu.
During this period, Daka posed a challenge for goalkeeper Aishi Manula, while Tanzania suffered a setback when defender Bakari Mwamnyeto had to be stretchered off due to injury, jeopardizing their chances of achieving a historic result.
Despite being ranked 121st by FIFA, their aspirations for a landmark outcome were thwarted by Daka’s emphatic goal. He skillfully met Chama’s delivery with a dynamic leap at the near post, directing his header over Manula.