By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Avram Grant says Patson Daka’s perseverance in Friday’s 4-2 win over Congo-Brazzaville in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers again indicates his value despite getting very little game time at Leicester City.
Daka scored a brace against Congo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on November 17 in a match he could have easily taken home the ball with four more opportunities.
Grant said in a post-match interview in Ndola that Daka’s prolific consistency since his appointment as Chipolopolo coach shows how much of an asset the Leicester striker is to Chipolopolo.
“He is a very good striker; he scored two goals and has scored in almost every game since I came. He is doing a very good job, his movement is good,” Grant said.
Daka struck in the 4th and 90th minutes but in between his goals saw his 45th minute effort saved and in the 62nd minute missed a sitter with further sure chances coming in the 77th and 85th minutes.
“It is not a secret that he is not playing for his club so it’s not helping us a lot but he has a good character and does not waste good chances normally,” Grant said.
“He utilizes a high percentage of his chances but today it was just 50 percent but it is still very good enough for us.”
While Daka has made just one league appearance at Leicester this season, and another in cup action both as a substitute, his Chipolopolo form is a different matter altogether.
Daka has in his last seven games under Grant scored eight goals that include three braces one against Lesotho, Uganda and on Friday against Congo.
He has a chance to add to his tally tomorrow in Chipolopolo’s second Group E qualifier against Niger in Morocco.
