Patson Daka’s late goal rescued a vital point for the Chipolopolo Boys in their opening match against Mali on Monday at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca. However, his celebration did not go as planned, as his attempt at a backflip failed and he landed on his neck.
After a goalless first half, Mali broke the deadlock in the 61st minute through Lassine Sinayoko, who finished from close range after the Zambian defence mishandled a corner kick.
With four minutes of added time remaining, Mathews Banda delivered a cross that found Daka, whose diving header found the back of the net to secure a dramatic equaliser.
His celebration, however, left many fans concerned as he appeared to land awkwardly on his neck.
“I would like to assure everyone that Patson is 100% fine. He does not have any injury,” Chipolopolo team doctor Wesley Ngongo clarified today. “Of course, football is a contact sport; players run, sometimes they trip, sometimes they fall, but they don’t get injured just from minor contact to minor falls. So he’s 100% fine. He’s got no pain, no stiffness. His range of motion, the neck, is perfect, and he’s available to train fully this morning.”
Daka’s goal on Monday brought his tally to 22 goals in 52 appearances for Zambia, drawing level with Collins Mbesuma, who reached the same milestone in 65 matches. He is also just one goal shy of equalling Christopher Katongo’s all-time international goal record of 23.
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