‘KEEP IT UP’
… Lungu hails prolific Patson Daka
PRESIDENTEdgar Lungu has congratulated prolific Chipolopolo striker Patson Daka who made history by scoring the quickest hat-trick in the history of Austrian Bundasliga after helping Red Bull Salzburg beat Sturm Graz.
Daka scored an eight-minute hat-trick in the first half as RB Salzburg thrashed Sturm Graz 3-1 in Sunday’s Austrian Bundesliga encounter played at the Red Bull Arena.
Lungu who took to social media to express his excitement urged Daka to continue working hard to make the country proud.
“Congratulations Patson Daka! You make us proud! Keep up the hard work,” read the post on Lungu’s official facebook page.
After scoring two goals in each of Zambia's last two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, against Algeria and Zimbabwe, Daka continued his goal scoring run in Austria to complete seven goals in three matches for club and country.
The 22-year-old gave the hosts a three-goal lead in the opening minutes at the Red Bull Arena with goals in the third, fifth and 11th minutes.
Mali's Amadou Dante, however, reduced the deficit for Sturm Graz with his 13th-minute goal but it was not enough to inspire the visitors to a comeback.
Daka had a chance to score four goals in the encounter but he failed to convert from the penalty spot in the 70th minute.
The Zambia international who has failed to score in just two Bundesliga matches remains the leading scorer in the Austrian league with 23 goals after 19 games.
His contributions helped Salzburg sit atop of the league table with 29 points after 23 matches.
The 22-year-old is a goal away from equaling his tally from the 2019-20 season, when he scored 24 goals in 31 matches.
The 2017 Caf Youth Player of the Year is close to securing his fifth Bundesliga crown in Austria since he joined the Bulls from Zambian club Kafue Celtic.
Although he is under contract until 2024, Daka's goalscoring form has reportedly made him a subject of transfer interest from several European clubs, including Manchester United, Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.