Daka: An Amazing Occasion
- Leicester City drew 2-2 with Napoli in Group C of the UEFA Europa League on Thursday
- Ayoze Pérez and Harvey Barnes found the net for the Foxes on Filbert Way
- Patson Daka had a debut goal disallowed for offside by VAR
- The Zambia international was nonetheless keen to focus on positives at full-time
The Zambia international made his full debut for the Club on Filbert Way as goals from Ayoze Pérez and Harvey Barnes put City in the ascendancy in the Group C opener, before Victor Osimhen's second-half brace rescued a draw for the impressive visitors from Italy.
Daka, however, had a goal disallowed for the Foxes midway through the second period for offside, while midfielder Wilfred Ndidi was sent off for a second bookable offence in added time. At the end of a dramatic night of European action in the East Midlands, Daka was reflective in post-match.
"It was a really a tough game tonight and we knew it was going to be a tough game," the 22-year-old told LCFC TV. "It was really important, for me personally, to get some minutes and at the end of the day, and we’re just disappointed that we didn’t manage to get the three points.
Leicester & Napoli Share The Points On Filbert Way
Watch all four goals from Leicester City's 2-2 draw with Napoli in the UEFA Europa League.
"It was a beautiful goal from Ayo and it was a great team goal. The atmosphere was really great. It was crazy, it was amazing. The fans came out in numbers to push us and give us an extra energy that we needed. It was just unlucky that the great start we had didn’t turn into a good ending."
Daka was naturally disappointed to be denied a 'dream' debut goal for the Club, but he was keen to try and take the positives from it.
"It was almost a dream come true for me," he added. "I was really out of words, I was lost in the moment. I was happy and immediately when I saw the referee waiting on VAR, I just knew there was little chance for me to get the goal. I didn’t know I was offside.
"I was waiting for him to start the game, but I saw him waiting and I knew something wasn’t right, so I’m really disappointed that I didn’t get my first goal for the Club. It gives me a lot of confidence going forward, knowing that I still have a lot of opportunities to come and that I know where the goal is."
As Leicester turn attentions to Brighton & Hove Albion away in the Premier League on Sunday, their No.29 is optimistic that they can deliver an improved performance at AMEX Stadium.
"We’re not pleased with the outcome of the game, but we have some positives that we can take from it," he explained. "We can take it into the next game on Sunday. We have something to build on now. In this performance, we have things we need to improve and I think it’s step we use in the next game."