By Mubukwanu Kaingu
PATSON Daka says it all comes down to humility and teamwork with every goal he scores for Chipolopolo.
The Leicester City striker has been in fine form for his country despite having very little playing time for his English club this season.
Daka has particularly been in prolific form in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers in which his five goals helped end Zambia’s eight-year tournament exile that also saw them miss three successive editions of Africa’s biggest football championship.
In an interview with FAZ Media, Daka said that every goal he scores for Chipolopolo was just part of his duties in the team.
“It is important not only for me but for the team. We know that everyone can score in our team and I think it is important at the end of the day because we are playing to score,” Daka said.
“Because when we score, it will help us get results so I think it is all about the group. It is about who is in front of the goal and who has got the opportunity to utilise the chances.”
In 2023, Daka scored 9 goals in eight games played for Chipolopolo and started 2024 on the same tone giving some hope for the teams prospects ahead of the AFCON that kicks off tomorrow in Ivory Coast.
On Tuesday, Daka started 2024 with the game’s opening goal in Chipolopolo’s 1-1 draw against Cameroon in a pre-2023 AFCON friendly played in Jeddah at the end of Zambia’s 10-day pre-tournament camp in Saudi Arabia.
Meanwhile, Daka will get a chance to show his prolific form in six days when he finally makes his AFCON debut when Chipolopolo face DR Congo in their opening Group F match on January 17 in San Pedro.
“I am really glad that it has happened and I just pray we are in good health together as a team and that everyone is available to make sure we start the tournament in good health,” Daka said.
“We just look forward to experiencing this big stage.”
Chipolopolo left Saudi Arabia yesterday at the end of their camp in Taif and headed to Ivory Coast for the 2024 AFCON that starts tomorrow and ends on February 11.
