Football star lands on his NECK while celebrating goal at Africa Cup of Nations
Patson Daka appears to have escaped serious injury after a frightening celebration marred an otherwise dramatic match for Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations, with the Leicester City forward emerging unscathed following a heavy fall.
The 27-year-old striker was at the centre of the action in Zambia’s tournament opener against Mali, when he scored a last-gasp equaliser in stoppage time to salvage a point in a pulsating Group fixture.
As emotions spilled over inside the 67,000-capacity Stade Mohamed V in Morocco, Daka’s attempt to celebrate in spectacular fashion went badly wrong.
After heading home a sumptuous cross in the 92nd minute, Daka sprinted towards the corner flag and attempted an acrobatic backflip as team-mates rushed to join him.
The former Premier League forward mistimed the movement, however, landing awkwardly on his neck and shoulder in a moment that immediately drew concern from both benches.
Medical staff were alerted and several Zambia players quickly surrounded Daka, but to widespread relief he was able to get back to his feet and see out the remaining minutes as Zambia held on for a valuable draw.
Initial fears of a serious injury eased further when he showed no obvious after-effects and required no immediate treatment.
The dramatic finale capped a match that had swung repeatedly in momentum.
Mali, competing under the banner of Les Aigles, had the chance to take early control when El Bilal Touré won a first-half penalty, only for Zambia goalkeeper Willard Mwanza to make a crucial save.
Touré, now with Auxerre, eventually made amends in the 61st minute by opening the scoring and putting Mali on course for victory.
Patson Daka was mobbed by his teammates after scoring at the Africa Cup of Nations
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Zambia refused to fold and continued to push forward, aided by the energy of players such as former Rangers winger Fashion Sakala.
Their persistence was rewarded deep into stoppage time when Daka met a precise delivery with a brave diving header, steering the ball beyond the Mali goalkeeper to ignite scenes of pandemonium in the stands.
While the celebration threatened to overshadow the goal itself, Zambia head coach Moses Sichone will be encouraged by signs that his key striker has avoided lasting damage.
Daka’s availability remains central to Zambia’s ambitions in a challenging group that also includes tournament favourites Morocco.
At club level, Daka’s career has been more turbulent since his move to Leicester City in 2021.
He arrived at the King Power Stadium on the back of an FA Cup triumph under Brendan Rodgers, but has struggled to consistently replicate the form that made him one of Europe’s most coveted forwards.
Patson Daka plays his club football for Championship side Leicester City
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In 143 appearances for the Foxes, he has scored 24 goals and provided 16 assists.
Internationally, however, his record tells a different story.
Daka has now scored 21 goals in 44 appearances for Zambia, maintaining his status as the focal point of their attack and a figure capable of delivering decisive moments on the biggest stage.
With Zambia next facing Comoros on Friday, Sichone will be hopeful that his striker’s acrobatic misjudgement proves to be no more than a scare.
