Mamelodi Sundowns winger Elias Pelembe was reportedly hospitalised for a night with "emotional fatigue" after squandering a penalty kick that effectively cost Mozambique a chance of qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations.
The botched spot kick dominated the media in Maputo after the weekend loss to Zambia.
Pelembe, known as Dominguez in his home country, had his effort early in the second half saved by his clubmate Kennedy Mweene before Zambia went on to snatch a 1-0 victory and a place at the 2015 finals in Equatorial Guinea.
Maputo newspapers said Pelembe had been admitted to hospital with a fever and exhaustion, drained by the blow of missing out in front of 42000 fans at Zimpeto Stadium.
"The golden boy spent the night in a city hospital with high fevers and ill health, morally very shaken," reported Folha de Maputo.
Zambia are Mozambique's bogey team and in some 14 international outings have not lost to the Mambas.
"I apologise to the people of Mozambique for the result and, as head of the technical team, take full responsibility," said coach Joao Chissano, the former fullback at Bidvest Wits.
Mozambique conclude their campaign tonight away against Niger in Niamey but both countries are already out of the Afcon reckoning.
Just R20 for the first month. Support independent journalism by subscribing to our digital news package. 
