Mulenga Questions Sakala Illness as Chipolopolo Prepare for Morocco Decider
Former Chipolopolo winger Clifford Mulenga has publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding captain Fashion Sakala’s sudden illness that has ruled him out of Zambia’s decisive Group A Africa Cup of Nations clash against hosts Morocco this evening in Rabat.
Zambia are set to face Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in their final group match, with progression to the knockout stages at stake. However, preparations were disrupted earlier today when Sakala was rushed to hospital after falling ill.
Team doctor Wesley Ngongo confirmed that the Saudi Arabia–based forward was taken to Hôpital Universitaire International Mohammed VI at around 12:30 local time after complaining of abdominal discomfort, dizziness and general weakness during a routine medical check. Sakala was subsequently ruled out of the match, dealing a blow to the Copper Bullets ahead of the crucial encounter.
Reacting to the development, Mulenga took to Facebook to express concern and scepticism over the timing of the illness, describing the situation as “not handled properly.” Mulenga suggested that Sakala had been unhappy after being substituted in Zambia’s previous match against Comoros and implied that internal issues may have contributed to his absence.
“I am very sure he was to be put on the bench against Morocco, so to serve him the embarrassment, he’s declared sick,” Mulenga wrote, adding that he was speaking as a “loyal fan” who was upset by the development. He, however, expressed hope that the situation could turn into a “blessing in disguise,” referencing Zambia’s 2012 AFCON triumph.
Mulenga’s comments prompted a brief response from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in the comments section of his post, where the association dismissed the claims with a short remark telling him to “OP,” a slang expression commonly used online to suggest overthinking.
Neither FAZ nor the Chipolopolo technical bench has issued a formal statement addressing Mulenga’s allegations, with the focus remaining on the team’s preparations for the decisive clash.
Kick-off for the match is scheduled for later this evening, as Zambia seek a positive result against the hosts despite the absence of their captain.
