Skip to main content

Lwandamina demands an element of madness as Zambia face Burundi in AFCON

Zambia coach George Lwandamina
Zambia coach George LwandaminaFAZ Media

Zambia national team coach George Lwandamina says he will demand an element of madness from his players to conquer Burundi in their Group I 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier on Friday.

During the pre-match press conference in Ndola, Lwandamina challenged the replacement for the injured players to rise to the occasion.

The former ZESCO United coach said Burundi would not be an easy opponent but Zambia would be prepared.

"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," said Lwandamina.

Lwandamina added that the players summoned as replacements had an opportunity to step up and deliver.

Zambia has suffered a series of injuries to players like Patson Daka, Lameck Banda, Gamphani Lungu and Kingstone Mutandwa.

The replacements for the injured players are Edward Chilufya, Prince Mumba and Derrick Bulaya.

"Football is a physical game, there are injuries but we are not short of replacements, I am sure those that have been replaced with have been doing well are working very hard," he said.

“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.

“I have a doubt if we have to bring something else. It is the same pot."

Lwandamina said the boys knew what was at stake and he challenged them to rise to the occasion.

"We have this game; it will give us the perimeter; we are ready for this game and the players are ready for the challenge. They know what is at stake. We to just wait for the game," he said.

Zambia will deliver good result

Zambia captain Fashion Sakala said: “It is a big advantage for us, definitely having you guys.

"I hope these cameras will definitely help us to boost the morale as you are going there on social media. We really want you to do the work for us.

"Definitely having the fans at home, you know, it is like we have more numbers of players on the field. So, I am very much confident and I know that they will definitely help us, support and definitely the morale that we get from the fans.

"I am very confident that we will give them the result that they deserve."

Sakala thanked Zambia President Hakainde Hichilema for pledging to buy tickets for fans to help fill Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

"I think that really shows that sponsorship starts from the top. We all want to have the President obviously playing a very big role in football. I think football is playing such a very important role to unite the country," he concluded.

Algeria tops Group I with four points, one better than Zambia and Togo who are on three points while Burundi lies bottom on one point.

The three host nations - Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda - have already qualified automatically for the 2027 AFCON.

In groups featuring a host nation, only the highest-placed team excluding the host will qualify from the group, while the top two finishers in the remaining groups will progress to the finals.

The qualifying campaign will conclude with Matchdays five and six in March 2027, when the remaining places at Africa’s flagship football tournament will be confirmed.

Dennis Mabuka
Dennis MabukaFlashscore
Prefer Flashscore on GoogleSee our stories more often
AddAdd on Google

21+ | COMPETENT REGULATOR EEEP | RISK OF ADDICTION & LOSS OF PROPERTY | KETHEA HELPLINE: 210 9237777 | PLAY RESPONSIBLY & SAFELY |

Do you want to withdraw your consent to display betting ads?
Yes, change settings