AFCON: Zambia allay fears on Patson Daka injury claims

Zambia national team doctor Wesley Ngongo has dismissed online speculation suggesting that striker Patson Daka suffered a neck injury during his trademark somersault goal celebration at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Reports on social media claimed that the Leicester City forward missed a step during the celebration, raising fears of a possible injury. However, Dr Ngongo has played down the concerns and confirmed that Daka is fit and pain-free.

“I would like to assure everyone that Patson is 100 percent fine. He does not have any injury; of course, football is a contact sport. Players run; sometimes they trip; sometimes they fall but they don’t get injured from minor contacts or minor falls,” said Ngongo as quoted by FAZ Media.

Daka fully fit and ready for next Zambia game

He added that Daka who salvaged Zambia’s point against Mali has no pain, no neck stiffness and no other issues.

“He’s got no pain, no stiffness. His range of motion in the neck is perfect and he’s available to train fully this today.”
Ngongo further allayed injury fears over Lameck Banda and Miguel Chaiwa, who were substituted during the match.

He said the duo only picked up minor knocks and will be available for training, while Lubambo Musonda has also been declared fully fit.

“Everyone is available to train. We did not have any serious injuries from yesterday’s game. We just had some minor knocks to Lameck (Banda); he was taken out at some point. Miguel also had a minor knock, Lubambo as well but these are just minor knocks. They are fully available to participate in today’s training.”

Meanwhile, Dr Ngongo confirmed that veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu, who missed the AFCON opening clash against Mali due to illness, has recovered and will return to training.

“You may also recall Stoppila Sunzu did not participate in the Mali game due to illness but he has since recovered and as of today he’s also going to be available to train fully.”

Elsewhere, Zambia FA President Keith Mweemba has called for unity, belief and collective responsibility as key pillars for Chipolopolo’s push at the on-going AFCON following Tuesday’s 1-1 draw with Mali.

“Let us have faith, hope and love for each other. We must stay united,” Mweemba told the squad.

The FAZ President praised the team’s fighting spirit against a highly rated Malian side, a resolve he said was rewarded with a dramatic added-time strike by Daka.

“I am happy that you never gave up. The character and fighting spirit you showed were excellent, and your fitness levels were very good,” he said.

On their next fixture against Comoros, he said: “We must beat Comoros. Don’t doubt yourselves. Sometimes it is good to be underrated. We live to fight another day. We are still Copper Bullets. Do not forget, we are Chipolopolo.”

Zambia will face Comoros at Stade Mohammed V on Friday, December 26.

⚽ Follow Pan-Africa Football across platforms for real-time news and stories.