Daka landed on his neck after he tried a backflip celebration
Patson Daka’s dramatic late equaliser for Zambia against Mali at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came with a worrying twist after the striker appeared to injure his neck during his goal celebration.
The Chipolopolo looked set for defeat at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca on Monday, December 22, 2025, after Lassine Sinayoko’s 61st-minute strike had put Mali in control of the Group A encounter.
Mali dominated long stretches of the match, created the better chances and were moments away from sealing all three points.
But deep into stoppage time, Zambia found a lifeline. A late delivery into the box was met by Daka, who rose highest to power a header past the Mali goalkeeper and silence the Eagles’ supporters.
Bafana Bafana strike late to sink Angola in AFCON 2025 opener
The goal sparked wild celebrations among the Zambian players and fans, knowing it had rescued a vital point.
In the heat of the moment, Daka attempted a backflip celebration, a move he has pulled off before. This time, however, it went wrong. He landed awkwardly, tumbling onto his neck and immediately clutching the area in visible discomfort.
Zambia held on for a 1–1 draw, sending them third in Group A.
Watch the video below:
A header to lift the roof off, Daka coming through when it mattered most. 🇿🇲#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/GcgaDf3Aj0
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 22, 2025
FKA/JE
