South Africa-based Chipolopolo forward Gampani Lungu says Zambia will not be intimidated by Algeria’s reputation when the two sides meet in Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Tizi Ouzou.
Lungu, who has returned to the national team after an extended absence, believes Zambia can compete with the hosts if they remain united and match Algeria’s intensity.
The forward was speaking after Thursday’s training session at Tirsathone Stadium as Zambia continued preparations for the Group I encounter at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium.
For Lungu, the return to international football is a moment he has been patiently waiting for.
“I want to thank God because I spoke some time back about it being God’s time. My not being in the national team was obviously preparing me for this moment,” Lungu said.
The Orlando Pirates player said representing Zambia again was an honour and highlighted the importance of helping the younger members of the squad adapt to international football.
“It is good to be back and to play for Mother Zambia, which is always an honour. I am also doing it for my family and the rest of Zambia, so I want to help the younger players and those who are new to the national team,” he said.
Lungu accepts that Algeria will provide a formidable test, but believes Zambia must approach the match without being overawed by their opponents’ standing.
“Algeria is obviously a big nation and everyone knows them as one of the big teams on the continent. It is not going to be easy, but I don’t think we should put ourselves under pressure,” he said.
“At the end of the day, it is 11 versus 11 on the field. Anyone can win, especially nowadays when football has changed. Just because a nation has a big name does not mean they will automatically win.
“It is about the amount of fight we bring on the day.”
That fighting spirit, Lungu says, has been a key feature of Zambia’s preparations, with the squad focused on collective responsibility rather than individual battles.
“If we come prepared the way we have been preparing, and we all want to fight for each other, cover one another and fight for the nation, we can get Zambia to where it belongs among the top teams on the continent,” he said.
The returnee also welcomed the competition for places within the squad, arguing that pressure for starting positions can raise standards across the team.
“Everyone wants to play. For me, I always like competition because you can never be a great player if you don’t have competition,” Lungu said.
“It is really good to have everyone ready for the game, pushing for the game and wanting to play for Zambia.”
And if given the chance to lead the line against Algeria, Lungu says his objective will be straightforward: help Zambia find a way to score and secure a positive result.
“I will do what I can for the country. For me, a goal is what I want for the country. We can’t win if we don’t score,” he said.
Zambia face Algeria on Friday, 25 September, at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00 Zambian time.
