The Mozambique winger Elias Pelembe was taken to hospital after missing a crucial penalty in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zambia on Sunday.
Pelembe, who plays for the South African side Mamelodi Sundowns, had several chances to give the Mambas a first victory in 14 matches against their bogey side, Chipolopolo.
However, having seen two efforts from open play saved by his Sundowns club-mate Kennedy Mweene, the 31-year-old, who is known as Domingues in his homeland, was foiled early in the second half from the spot before Zambia scored late on to book their place at the finals in Equatorial Guinea.
Newspapers in Mozambique’s capital, Maputo, said Pelembe was taken to hospital with a fever and exhaustion. “The golden boy spent the night in a city hospital with high fevers and ill health, morally very shaken,” reported Folha de Maputo.
“The Zambian goalkeeper showed he was a true cat between the goals. Our boy wonder fired his kick but had it stopped and after that there was silence. Nobody could believe such disgrace.”
Mweene admitted afterwards that he had got lucky. “He is my team-mate and I know the side he goes to always. I took a chance and it went right,” he said.
“I apologise to the people of Mozambique for the result and, as head of the technical team, take full responsibility,” added the coach Joao Chissano.
Mozambique rounded off their qualifying campaign on Wednesday by drawing 1-1 with Niger.
