Chipolopolo team doctor Wesley Ngongo has dismissed online speculation suggesting that striker Patson Daka suffered a neck injury during his trademark somersault goal celebration in yesterday's match against Mali.
Social media reports claimed the Leicester City forward missed his footing during the celebration, sparking fears that the goal-scorer had sidelined himself. However, Dr. Ngongo has downplayed those concerns, confirming that Daka is fit, pain-free, and ready for action.
“I would like to assure everyone that Patson is 100 percent fine,” Dr. Ngongo said. “Football is a contact sport; players run, trip, and fall, but they don’t necessarily get injured from minor contact. He has no pain, no stiffness, and his range of motion is perfect.”
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Daka, whose late strike salvaged a vital point for Zambia, will be available for today's full training session.
The medical team also provided positive updates on Lameck Banda and Miguel Chaiwa, both of whom were substituted during the Mali clash. Dr. Ngongo confirmed that the duo—along with Lubambo Musonda—have been cleared.
“Everyone is available to train. We did not sustain any serious injuries from yesterday’s game. Lameck and Miguel picked up minor knocks, as did Lubambo, but they are fully available for today’s session,” he added.
In a further boost to the squad, veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu has recovered from the illness that forced him to miss the opening match. The 2012 AFCON winner had been sidelined with abdominal pains but has since been given the green light to rejoin the group
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