Patson Daka to Miss 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers
Lusaka, Zambia — Zambia’s national football team, the Chipolopolo, has been dealt a significant blow ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Premier League striker Patson Daka, who plays for Leicester City, is set to miss the upcoming qualifiers due to a serious ankle injury.
Leicester City’s manager, Steve Cooper, confirmed the news during a press conference ahead of their Premier League opener against Tottenham Hotspur. “Patson is not great,” Cooper said. “He’s suffered quite a serious ankle injury, and unfortunately, he’ll be out for a few months.”
This injury means Daka will not be available for Zambia’s important AFCON qualifying matches next month. The Chipolopolo are scheduled to face Ivory Coast away before hosting Sierra Leone at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
With Daka out, Zambia’s head coach Avram Grant now faces the challenging task of finding a suitable replacement. Daka’s absence leaves a gap in the attacking line, and Grant will need to carefully consider his options.
The coach may have to rely on local talent, as the Zambian Premier League has just kicked off, providing a fresh pool of players to evaluate. Tanzanian-based striker Kennedy Musonda is one candidate, but his recent performances will be under scrutiny as the season progresses.
Among the local players, Ricky Banda of Red Arrows and Andrew Phiri of FC Muza are potential options. However, Phiri’s situation is uncertain, as he did not make the bench for Muza’s league opener, sparking rumors that he may be pushing for a move away from the club.
Another promising prospect is Spanish-based striker Francesco Mwepu, who is likely to receive a call-up. Coach Grant has previously expressed a preference for European-based players due to their exposure to advanced facilities and different levels of competition, which could work in Mwepu’s favor.
Zambia’s path to AFCON qualification is not an easy one, and the absence of Patson Daka complicates matters. The Chipolopolo will need to rally and find strength in their squad depth as they prepare for the vital matches against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone.
As the qualifiers approach, all eyes will be on Coach Avram Grant and his decisions regarding the squad. The Zambian football community will be hoping for a swift recovery for Patson Daka and a successful qualification campaign for the Chipolopolo.
