Patson Daka Leaves Leicester City to Join National Team Ahead of Africa Cup of Nations

Patson Daka Leaves Leicester City to Join National Team Ahead of Africa Cup of Nations

Zambian striker Patson Daka, in scintillating form for Leicester City in the English Championship, was notably absent from the team’s impressive 4-1 victory over Huddersfield Town on Monday. Daka, along with Leicester teammates Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi, is set to join the Zambian national team in preparation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Daka has been a standout performer for Leicester, contributing four goals and two assists in his last five games. The trio’s absence from Leicester’s lineup is a result of their international commitments as they prepare to represent their respective nations in the prestigious continental tournament.

The Zambian national team, also known as the Chipolopolo, will set up camp in Saudi Arabia for a ten-day training session before heading to the port city of San Pedro, where Group F of the AFCON will be based. The training camp in Saudi Arabia will include two friendlies, providing crucial preparation ahead of the tournament.

For Daka, this AFCON will be a significant moment as he makes his debut in the continental championship. The 25-year-old striker played a pivotal role in leading Zambia through the qualifiers and will be eager to make a lasting impact in Ivory Coast, where the 2023 AFCON is scheduled to take place from January 13th to February 11th, 2024. The absence of Daka, Iheanacho, and Ndidi from Leicester City showcases the global nature of football and the honor of representing one’s country on the international stage.