Zambian duo of striker Patson Daka and midfielder Enock Mwepu has tested negative for the deadly Coronavirus, Redbull Salzburg has confirmed.
The duo was part of the Salzburg team that recorded a 2-1 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League play-off round away in Isreal. The whole squad that traveled underwent two tests and have all tested negative.
Good news: Our whole squad has been tested negative twice for COVID-19 since returning from Israel. pic.twitter.com/MZQvjeMtZ1
— FC Red Bull Salzburg EN (@FCRBS_en) September 25, 2020
This was after they were health concerns prior to the match after Tel Aviv announced that six of its players had tested positive for the coronavirus, along with seven staff members and its technical manager, Barak Yitzhaki. UEFA’s Corona regulations however gave the go-ahead for the match to take place.
Half of Maccabi’s first eleven was out of the match, Dor Peretz, Avi Rikan, Daniel Peretz, Nick Blackman, Enric Saborit, Yonatan Cohen, and Glazer all tested positive according to the Israeli media. UEFA regulations state that 13 field players plus 2 goalkeepers must be healthy to play a game. In addition, an unlimited number of young players may be nominated on a B-list.
Salzburg scored their goals through Dominik Szoboszlai who converted from the spot after a foul on Patson Daka and Masaka Okugawa who tapped in Sekou Koita’s cross from close range.
Salzburg will host Maccabi Tel Aviv in the return leg at the Redbull Arena on Wednesday for a chance to qualify for the group stage.
