Patson Daka, the prolific Leicester City striker, etched his name in the annals of Zambian football and the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) during Sunday’s Group F clash against Tanzania in AFCON 2023. Daka’s pivotal equalizing goal not only salvaged hope for the Chipolopolos but also secured him a unique and historic record.
Daka’s commanding performance on Sunday showcased his ability to seize critical moments, as he found the back of the net to level the score against Tanzania.
The Leicester City star’s goal proved to be a lifeline for the Avram Grant-led Zambian squad, keeping their aspirations alive for advancing to the round of 16 in the prestigious continental competition.
Beyond its immediate impact, Daka’s goal against Tanzania etches his name in the annals of both AFCON history and Zambian football.
Notably, the Leicester City forward now holds the distinction of being the first player to score in all AFCON categories—U17, U20, U23, and the senior level.
Daka’s journey began in 2015 when he showcased his goal-scoring prowess for the Zambian U17s in Niger, netting twice during the competition. In 2017, he elevated his performance, contributing four crucial goals that propelled the Zambian U20s to victory in the AFCON hosted on home soil.
The trend continued in 2019, as Daka made his mark during the U23 AFCON in Egypt, proving his versatility across various age groups.
This unique achievement underscores Daka’s exceptional talent and consistency throughout his developmental years and into his professional career.
As the first player to achieve this feat, Patson Daka’s legacy in Zambian and African football history is firmly cemented.
