Patson Daka was unhurt and eventually finished the game
Former Premier League striker Patson Daka escaped serious injury after a frightening fall on his neck while celebrating a dramatic late goal for Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations.
The Leicester player scored deep into stoppage time to rescue a point against Mali, diving to meet a cross and head home after sustained Zambian pressure.
But then he attempted an acrobatic celebration and failed, instead crashing down worryingly on his neck.
¡From hero to heartbreak! 😱
⚽ Patson Daka struck late to level the match for Zambia in the 92nd minute, sending the stadium into chaos — but the celebration took a worrying turn.
😬 While attempting a flip, the striker injured his neck, immediately raising concerns on the… pic.twitter.com/MLVefn0YjI
— beIN SPORTS USA (@beINSPORTSUSA) December 22, 2025
Medical staff quickly surrounded the player but he was able to get back to his feet and even complete the match. Daka finished the game without further issue as Zambia held on to secure a valuable 1-1 result.
Daka struggled to perform in the Premier League. Last season he scored just one goal in 23 appearances before Leicester were relegated in May. This season he has scored once in 21 appearances in the Championship for the Foxes.
