With several key players missing, Zambia head coach George Lwandamina has made it clear that he is not looking for excuses ahead of Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi. Instead, he wants the players available to him to show courage, intensity and a little unpredictability.
Lwandamina has challenged the Chipolopolo to bring what he described as an “element of madness” into the contest, believing that the right attitude could give Zambia the advantage against a Burundi side he expects to provide a difficult test.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference in Ndola, the coach acknowledged the challenge awaiting his team but insisted that his players understood what was required of them.
“It won’t be an easy game, but what I have asked for my players is the element of madness that will give us the edge,” he said.
The coach’s message comes at a time when Zambia have been forced to make changes following injuries to a number of important players. Patson Daka, Lameck Banda, Gamphani Lungu and Kingstone Mutandwa are among those unavailable for the encounter.
Their absence has created an opportunity for Edward Chilufya, Prince Mumba and Derrick Bulaya, who have been brought into the squad as replacements. Rather than viewing the changes as a major disruption, Lwandamina believes the incoming players have already been exposed to the same team environment and should be ready to contribute.
He pointed out that football inevitably comes with injuries and that Zambia have enough options to deal with the situation.
“Football is a physical game, there are injuries but we are not short of replacements,” he said, expressing confidence that the players called up have been working hard and are prepared for the responsibility.
Lwandamina further explained that the replacements were not strangers to the team’s football philosophy, having been part of the same training environment as the players they are coming in for.
“It is an opportunity for them but I have to rely on the other players. These players we are bringing in have been feeding from the same pot with those who are injured, so I am doubt if we have to bring something else. It is the same pot,” he added.
For the Chipolopolo coach, the immediate priority is ensuring that the team translates its preparations into a strong performance when the action begins. He believes the players are aware of the importance of the fixture and has challenged them to embrace the occasion.
Zambia will welcome Burundi to the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday, 13 November, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 CAT.
The match carries significance in Group I, where Algeria lead the standings with four points. Zambia and Togo are tied on three points, while Burundi occupy the bottom position with one point.
With the group still finely poised, a positive result would strengthen Zambia’s position in the qualification race. Lwandamina will now look to his available players to deliver the fearless performance he has demanded, with the injured stars’ replacements having an opportunity to make their mark.
