Zambia have suffered a major injury setback ahead of their back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Burundi, with Patson Daka, Lameck Banda and Gamphani Lungu ruled out of both encounters.
The trio have been withdrawn from George Lwandamina’s Chipolopolo squad after medical assessments established that their recovery periods would extend beyond seven days.
Daka, who features for German Bundesliga side Hamburger SV, Banda of Libyan club Al-Swehly SC and Orlando Pirates forward Lungu have been replaced by Edward Chilufya, Derrick Bulaya and Prince Mumba, respectively.
Chipolopolo team doctor George Magwende confirmed the withdrawals, explaining that the players would not recover in time for the two fixtures. He also revealed that their respective clubs had been in contact with the national team’s medical department regarding their conditions.
Daka sustained a right ankle injury during Hamburger SV’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on 6 November.
“Patson Daka suffered a right ankle injury which he sustained during Hamburg SV’s 3-1 win over Monchengladbach on 6 November. The ultrasound revealed he had a mild strain that will require about 7-10 days to recover,” Magwende said.
Banda picked up a left hamstring injury while on club duty and is expected to spend at least two weeks on the sidelines.
Lungu, meanwhile, sustained a right ankle sprain, with his recovery period estimated at between 14 and 21 days.
Their withdrawals add to Zambia’s growing injury concerns, with Kingstone Mutandwa, Ackim Mumba and Jackson Phiri also unavailable for the two matches.
Zambia will host Burundi at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 15:00 CAT, before travelling to Bujumbura for the return fixture four days later.
Meanwhile, tickets for Friday’s encounter are available at Shoprite outlets through Computicket. Prices have been set at K50 for the North and South stands, K100 for the East stand, K250 for the West stand and K500 for VIP seating.
With three more key players unavailable, Lwandamina will have to rely on the available squad members as Chipolopolo prepare for the two important Group I encounters.
