Patson Daka produced one of the most dramatic and unforgettable moments of the Africa Cup of Nations as Zambia snatched a late draw against Mali, but the celebration that followed nearly turned jubilation into disaster. The Leicester City striker scored deep into stoppage time to rescue a vital point for the Chipolopolo, only to land awkwardly on his neck while attempting a backflip celebration that left players, fans and viewers holding their breath.
The match had been an intense, physical contest between two sides desperate to start their AFCON campaign positively. Mali looked set to claim all three points after leading for much of the encounter, using their experience and organisation to frustrate Zambia. As the clock ticked into added time, frustration was visible on the faces of the Zambian players, who had pushed forward relentlessly but struggled to find a breakthrough.
Then came the moment that changed everything. A loose ball in the penalty area fell kindly to Daka, who reacted quickest to fire home the equaliser and spark wild celebrations among the Zambian bench and supporters. The goal was a classic poacher’s finish, the kind Daka has built his reputation on, and it instantly transformed the mood inside the stadium.
However, what followed overshadowed the goal itself. In a rush of adrenaline and emotion, Daka attempted an acrobatic backflip celebration. Instead of landing cleanly, he came down heavily on his neck and upper back. The striker immediately stayed on the ground, barely moving, as concern spread across the pitch. Teammates rushed to his side, while Mali players and officials looked on anxiously, aware of the seriousness of potential neck injuries.
For several tense moments, the stadium fell quiet. Medical staff quickly attended to Daka, assessing him carefully as he lay on the turf. AFCON has delivered plenty of drama over the years, but this was a reminder of how thin the line can be between celebration and danger in football.
Thankfully, after a brief period, Daka was able to get back to his feet. The relief was visible everywhere — from the Zambian bench to fans watching across the continent. Once he stood up, the striker smiled, raised his arms and finally celebrated properly, soaking in the magnitude of the moment he had delivered for his country.
The goal itself could prove crucial in Zambia’s group campaign. Mali are one of the tournament’s more established sides, and taking a point from such an opponent gives Zambia belief as they look to progress beyond the group stage. Daka’s late strike underlined his importance to the team, not just as a scorer but as a leader capable of producing when it matters most.
The incident also reignited discussion around goal celebrations, particularly risky acrobatics. While fans love expressive moments, Daka’s scare served as a cautionary tale. In tournaments as demanding as AFCON, where every player is vital, avoiding unnecessary risks becomes essential.
Still, the moment summed up what makes AFCON special — raw emotion, late drama, courage and unforgettable scenes. Patson Daka’s goal, scare and recovery encapsulated the spirit of the competition perfectly.
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