Zambian international Gamphani Lungu is a doubt for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers after limping out injured shortly after scoring in Orlando Pirates’ 4-0 victory over Kruger United.
Lungu opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the fourth minute after Kamogelo Sebelebele was fouled inside the box.
The forward was unable to continue, however, and was stretchered off around 10 minutes into the match, with Oswin Appollis coming on as his replacement.
Pirates eventually cruised to victory, with Boitumelo Radiopane doubling their advantage in the 54th minute before Yanela Mbuthuma struck twice in the closing stages.
The result extended the defending champions’ unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership season, with four wins and a draw from their opening five matches.
For Lungu, the immediate focus is now on his recovery as he awaits further assessment on the injury.
“Scoring for this team always fills me with pride, but having to walk off early with an injury immediately after scoring breaks my heart,” Lungu said.
“I’m devastated to be sidelined, but my focus now shifts completely to healing. I’m going to pour everything into my recovery so I can get back out there, fully fit.”
The 27-year-old has made an impressive start to the season, registering four goals and one assist in seven appearances for Pirates.
His injury could now present a concern for Zambia interim coach George Lwandamina, with the Chipolopolo expected to regroup later this month ahead of a crucial double-header in the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Zambia travel to Algeria on 25 September before hosting Togo on 29 September at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The Chipolopolo are in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo and Burundi, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
For Lungu, who has established himself as an important attacking option for both club and country, the priority will be to recover in time for Zambia’s final push in the qualifying campaign.
