Daka scores, as Chipolopolo top Group H of AFCON qualifiers with 13 points (See other results)

Leicester City striker Patson Daka rescued a point for Zambia away in Comoros.

Zambia went into the match having already qualified for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations while Comoros were playing for pride.

The hosts started strongly putting pressure on Zambia who were not convincing in the first stanza.

Zambia’s tactics may have been affected after Chipolopolo were forced into an early substitution as Kelvin Kapumbu went out with an injury and had to be replaced by Benson Sakala.

Comoros’ early dominance paid off at the stroke of half time when when Benjaloud Youssouf’s free kick was too good for Zambian goalie, Lawrence Mulenga.

Coach Avram Grant’s half time pep talk with the side added spring into the step of Chipolopolo, as they sprung into life in the second half.

Chipolopolo midfielder, Klings Kangwa seemed to be rejuvenated in the second half as he began to dominate play in midfield.

The introduction of Emmanuel Banda in place of Rally Bwalya in the midfield contributed to the resurgence.

Chipolopolo finally equalised on 71 minutes when Patson Daka scored from a Benedict Chepeshi cross, to draw level.

Zambia could have won in the closing stages of the match with Daka particularly guilty of not converting a good chance at the stroke of full time.

Zambia finish the group on top with 13 points, the same as Ivory Coast but with a better goal difference.

Chipolopolo will compete at the Africa Cup of Nations next year after missing out on the past three editions.

Elsewhere in the Africa Cup qualifiers, Mozambique beat Benin 3-2, Malawi and Guinea drew 2-all, Mauritainia edged Gabon 2-1 while DR Congo emerged 2-nil victors over Sudan.

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