April 01, (THEWILL) –The Zambian government has confirmed that ex-Chipolopolo team doctor Joseph Kabungo died after collapsing at the end of the match where he was serving as an anti-doping officer for the Consideration of African Football (CAF).
This confirmation debunked social media reports that the doctor died as a result of injuries sustained during post-match disturbances at Abuja National Stadium following Nigeria’s 2022 Qatar FIFA World Cup final round last leg qualifier against Ghana on March 29.
As THEWILL reported, fans descended to the pitch following the Super Eagles’ failure to qualify for the Qatar tournament after Ghana won the ticket on the away goals rule after a 1-1 aggregate result.
Kabungo experienced a cardiac arrest while walking to the anti-doping facility to conduct random testing on selected players, according to government spokeswoman Chushi Kasanda, who was briefed by the Zambia High Commission in Nigeria.
“The High Commission has further explained that according to the doctors and other officials that were on duty with him at the stadium, Dr. Kabungo had earlier complained of feeling tired,” Kasanda said.
“At half-time, he retreated to a room and later returned to the touchline to continue his work. He collapsed in the tunnel as he was walking to the anti-doping room with some players and officials at the end of the match.”
Kabungo was a member of the CAF and FIFA Medical Committees until his death. From 2005 until 2016, he served as Chipolopolo’s doctor and was a member of the backroom staff that helped the team win the 2012 AFCON.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
