By Scoop Reporter
Zambia this evening takes on the Democratic Republic of Congo in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (being played in 2024) hoping for a flying start in a tournament whose past three editions eluded them due to stuttering performances in the qualifiers.
While the Democratic Republic of Congo has always been a tricky opponent to Zambia, with Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, and Lameck Banda all in tiptop form, the opponent knows it will not be smooth sailing as this deadly trio can dismantle any defence and score goals.
Patson Daka
Patson Daka possesses several attributes that make him an exceptional player. He is known for his impressive speed and agility, which allows him to outpace defenders and create goal-scoring opportunities. His acceleration and quickness make him a constant threat behind the defensive line.

Daka has a natural ability to find the back of the net. He has a keen eye for goal and demonstrates excellent positioning inside the box. His composure and clinical finishing enable him to convert chances into goals consistently.
Daka’s technical abilities are impressive. He has good ball control, dribbling skills, and the ability to take on defenders in one-on-one situations. His close control and quick feet allow him to navigate tight spaces and create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Daka’s work rate is commendable. He constantly puts in the effort to press defenders and win the ball back for his team. His stamina allows him to maintain a high level of intensity throughout the match, making him a constant threat to opposing defenders.
Daka is a versatile player who can operate in various positions in the attacking line. While he is primarily a centre forward, he can also play as a winger or in a supporting striker role. This versatility adds flexibility to his team’s attacking options. Daka demonstrates mental strength and resilience on the pitch. He remains focused and composed even in high-pressure situations.
His determination and confidence contribute to his success as a player. Overall, Patson Daka possesses a combination of physical attributes, technical skills, and mental strength that make him a formidable player. His goal-scoring ability, speed, and versatility make him a valuable asset for the Chipolopolo Boys.
Fashion Sakala

Fashion Sakala’s exceptional speed and acceleration make him a constant threat in behind the defensive line. His ability to quickly burst past defenders creates scoring opportunities and puts pressure on the opposition’s backline. Sakala’s agility and quick footwork allow him to navigate through tight spaces and take on defenders with ease. His ability to change direction quickly and maintain control of the ball make him difficult to dispossess.
Sakala’s versatility allows him to play in multiple positions across the forward line. He can operate as a centre forward, winger, or even in a supporting striker role. This versatility makes it challenging for defenders to anticipate his movements and mark him effectively.
Sakala has a natural ability to find the back of the net. He has a keen sense of positioning inside the box and demonstrates excellent timing and anticipation. His ability to finish with both feet and his head makes him a lethal finisher. his work rate is commendable. He puts in the effort to press defenders and disrupt the opposition’s build-up play. His relentless pursuit of the ball often forces mistakes from defenders and leads to turnovers in dangerous areas.
Despite his relatively smaller stature, Sakala possesses good physicality and strength. He can hold off defenders and shield the ball effectively, allowing him to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities for himself or his teammates. Sakala’s positive attitude and determination on the pitch are evident. He never gives up on a play and constantly looks to make an impact. His drive and motivation contribute to his effectiveness as a deadly opponent. Overall, Fashion Sakala’s combination of speed, agility, versatility, goal-scoring instinct, work rate, and determination make him a difficult player for opponents to handle. His attributes make him a deadly threat in the attacking third and a valuable asset for his team’s success and if Congo goofs, he could be their nightmare tonight.
Lameck Banda

He is a diesel machine; a buccaneer capable of drawing and repelling defenders as he possesses strong technical skills such as ball control, dribbling, and passing. These skills enable him to navigate through tight spaces, beat defenders, and create scoring opportunities for himself and his teammates.
Banda’s speed and agility are key attributes that make him a dangerous player. His ability to accelerate quickly and change direction rapidly leave defenders struggling to keep up with him. He is a deadly player who often has excellent vision and creativity. Banda’s ability to read the game, spot openings, and make decisive passes, unlock defenders and create scoring chances for his team.
Banda’s goal-scoring instincts and finishing skills make him a threat in the attacking third. His ability to find scoring positions, take accurate shots, and convert chances contribute to his effectiveness as a player. The player’s work rate and stamina are crucial in maintaining a high level of performance throughout a match.
Banda’s energy, endurance, and willingness to put in the effort both on and off the ball make him a relentless presence on the pitch. Mental attributes such as focus, determination, and resilience are important for a player to be considered deadly and this is what elevates his game. His ability to stay composed under pressure, make quick decisions, and bounce back from setbacks contributes to his effectiveness as a player.