Patson Daka Reflects on AFCON Journey, Expresses Sentiments on Enock Mwepu’s Absence
Patson Daka Reflects on AFCON Journey, Expresses Sentiments on Enock Mwepu’s Absence
Leicester City striker Patson Daka has shared his thoughts on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) journey and expressed sentiments about the absence of his former teammate, Enock Mwepu, from the squad. Daka and Mwepu, who have been football companions since their under-20 days, won the 2017 AFCON together and played in the under-20 World Cup, reaching the quarter-finals.
Their partnership continued at Red Bull Salzburg in the Austrian League before both making moves to the Premier League, with Daka joining Leicester City and Mwepu signing for Brighton & Hove Albion. Speaking from Ivory Coast, where he is with the national team, Daka acknowledged the challenges of the moment.
“It’s a difficult moment for all of us because we were talking about this moment (AFCON appearance) for a very long time and the dreams that we had together. But it’s also a motivation for us knowing that we still carry him in our hearts, and we will always fight for him as well. We may not be together in the group, but we know he is always there. We always do our best to make him proud as well,” Daka shared.
Mwepu had a successful career in the English Premier League, highlighted by scoring against Liverpool at Anfield, a goal that won the Goal of the Season for the 2021/2022 season. Unfortunately, he announced his retirement from football at the age of 24 due to the discovery of a hereditary heart condition.
