Chikondi Zulu | Bola Yapa Zed | 19 November 2025
Zambian-born forward Jack Kalichi Lahne finally made his long-awaited breakthrough for the Chipolopolo after five years of waiting for a call-up, scoring on his first full debut in Zambia’s 3–2 loss to Angola in Luanda. The friendly match, played on Tuesday night, was part of Zambia’s final preparation phase for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to kick off on 21 December in Morocco. Despite the defeat, the Austrian-based striker left a strong impression as he continues pushing for a place in the final AFCON squad.
The 24-year-old was included in the squad for the two back-to-back friendlies against South Africa and Angola, matches Zambia used to assess both senior and emerging players ahead of the continental showpiece. Lahne made his unofficial introduction with nine substitute minutes against South Africa, replacing Leicester City forward Patson Daka late in the game. However, it was in Luanda where he fully introduced himself to Zambian fans, scoring a brilliant 21st-minute equaliser to make it 1–1 after Angola’s early opener.
After the match, Lahne described his debut goal as a proud moment.
“When it happened, I was proud. I was proud to score my first goal. I was saying to everybody here, I want to score here today. Hopefully next time, AFCON,” he said, signalling his ambition to secure a place in the squad heading to Morocco.
With 31 days before AFCON 2025, competition for attacking positions is tight, but Lahne’s physicality, pace, and eye for goal give him a competitive edge. Zambia begins their Group A journey on 22 December against Mali, with Morocco and Comoros completing what is arguably one of the tournament’s toughest groups.
Lahne’s performance came at a time when Zambia had just suffered a 3–1 loss to South Africa, followed by the narrow 3–2 loss to Angola. Although the results were disappointing, the technical bench highlighted the value of the friendly games in identifying players who can contribute at AFCON—Lahne being one of the standout positives.
Lahne’s story is unique and emotional. Born to Zambian parents, he was adopted by a Swedish family after losing his mother at a young age. Despite growing up in Europe, he has always maintained a connection to his roots.
“I was adopted at a very young age and I last visited Zambia when I was 14,” he told BolaNews earlier this year. “I have family in Chikankata… I speak to my aunt here and there and I really want to reunite with them.”
His path back to Zambia was paved by the Chipolopolo Die Hards, a dedicated talent-spotting group that played a key role in drawing him to national team attention. Notably, he represented Sweden at U17 and U19 levels but remained eligible for Zambia as he never played for the senior Swedish national team.
Lahne currently plays for SC Austria Lustenau, where he is contracted until 2026. His club performances have been impressive, having scored eight goals in 27 appearances since joining the club. This season alone, he has featured 13 times in the Austrian Bundesliga 2, netting five goals, including a well-taken brace against Sturm II.
His form, combined with his strong debut, reinforces his case for inclusion in Zambia’s final AFCON squad. If he makes the list, he will be competing in his first major tournament for the country of his birth—an emotional milestone for him and a significant moment for Zambian football.
Jack Kalichi Lahne’s goal-scoring debut may have come in a losing effort, but it has breathed new life into Zambia’s AFCON preparations. With his hunger, work ethic, and ability to deliver on big occasions, Lahne is positioning himself as a valuable attacking option. As the countdown to Morocco continues, all eyes will be on whether he makes the final cut because if his debut was anything to go by, Zambia may have found a new spark in attack.
