Zambia National team interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina is optimistic that winger Lameck Banda will be fit for next months’ AFCON qualifiers.
According to ZamFoot Crew sources close to the technical bench, Lwandamina was worried about the standoff between Banda and US Lecce but now that Banda is back on the pitch with Al Swehly FC, the experienced gaffer is at ease.
Last week Al Swehly officially unveiled the Zambian international as their latest signing on a three-year contract after his departure from Italian club Lecce.
The 25-year-old winger has been cleared by FIFA to play for Al Swehly despite an ongoing contractual dispute with Lecce, who maintain that Banda remains under contract with the Serie A club until June 2027.
“Yes, the coach is relieved to have Banda back on the pitch. He is such a talented player and having him playing football and training with his club ahead of the two important games is a plus for the technical bench,” a source told the ZamFoot Crew.
The Chipolopolo boys are expected to regroup next month for the final stretch of preparations for the back-to-back Group I 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Zambia will be away to Algeria on 25 September before hosting Togo four days later in Ndola at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Zambia is in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo and Burundi in the race for the 2027 AFCON which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
