Revealed: Pre-Match Food Poisoning Almost Stopped Amajita’s AFCON Glory

Pre-Match Food Poisoning Almost Stopped Amajita’s AFCON Glory

On May 14, just hours before their crucial semifinal match against Nigeria, the entire Amajita squad and technical staff fell violently ill at their Ismailia hotel. Multiple sources confirm that players and staff members suffered acute gastrointestinal distress throughout the night.

“The situation was dire,” revealed an anonymous team member. “We’d all eaten the same meal featuring liver and vegetables in our designated dining area. While the Nigerian team dined without incident, our group experienced severe stomach cramps and diarrhoea.”

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Team physician Dr. Singe Chonco worked tirelessly to stabilise affected individuals, despite reportedly falling ill himself. The crisis became so severe that players expressed concerns about potential on-field accidents during the upcoming match.

“Some players begged not to play, fearing embarrassment,” disclosed a technical team insider. “The medical staff assured them the situation was manageable, though we withheld some details from Coach Mdaka to prevent unnecessary alarm.”

Triumph Against All Odds

Despite the health scare, Amajita displayed remarkable resilience, defeating Nigeria 1-0 to advance to the finals. They ultimately claimed the championship with a victory over Morocco.

Coach Raymond Mdaka later acknowledged the incident: “Our medical team performed miracles that night. Many staff and players, myself included, struggled with stomach issues. We had initial concerns about team readiness, but our doctors assured me we could compete.”

Unanswered Questions Remain Regarding The Food Poisoning

The exact cause of the mass illness remains unclear. Dr. Chonco confirmed “a diarrheal incident” occurred but couldn’t identify the specific culprit. Notably, the incident received minimal public attention, with sources suggesting this was to avoid embarrassing tournament organisers and the hotel.

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This health crisis adds a dramatic chapter to Amajita’s championship story, highlighting their extraordinary determination to overcome physical adversity on their path to continental glory.