Zambia interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina says the Chipolopolo must quickly move on from their 2-0 victory over Togo, insisting the three points could prove crucial in their bid to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
Albert Kangwanda’s early strike and Elia Mandanji’s stoppage-time goal secured Zambia’s first Group I victory at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday, helping them recover from Friday’s 3-1 defeat by Algeria.
For Lwandamina, the result was less about the performance and more about securing maximum points.
“It was a tough game. At least we have got three points and I am sure the table will be changed. That is how important it was,” he said.
“Our work is to continue preparing well. I am sure we can’t talk too much. We have to wait for the next game.”
The victory lifted Zambia to second place in Group I on three points, behind leaders Algeria on four, while Togo also have three points in third and Burundi are bottom with one.
With Zambia’s next two qualifiers coming against Burundi, Lwandamina knows the importance of building momentum has only increased.
The interim coach believes his squad is gradually developing an understanding of what is expected of them, but stressed that the process will take time.
“We will continue working to improve the team all the time. And the boys, it is good that they are able to get what we want to put across to them,” he said.
Lwandamina compared the development of the current squad to a relay race, with different generations responsible for carrying Zambia forward.
“The building process is like a race, a relay, where one will run and then give a chance to the next one. So, it is not just happening with this group.”
He insisted experienced players such as Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala still have an important role to play alongside the emerging generation.
“I am not saying we will phase out Patson or Fashion. No. They are still young and vibrant. They are able to help the team,” Lwandamina said.
“But it has to be together with the young ones, those who receive it — the baton — and take it to another stage.”
The coach also urged supporters and the media to be careful with the praise directed at Zambia’s young players, warning that premature stardom could hinder their development.
“The supporters, which are fans, the media, you have to protect the interest of these young players,” he said.
“Because sometimes what destroys the boys, you give them quick stardom, or you inflict damage on them by way of negative reporting. This is a young team which needs encouragement.”
Lwandamina, however, said criticism remains an important part of the team’s development.
“I am not saying you cannot criticise us, because critics will build us.”
And with Zambia having recovered from their disappointing night in Algeria, Lwandamina’s message to his players was simple: leave the past behind.
“We tell them this is water under the bridge. It’s gone. So we have to look forward.”
Zambia will now turn their attention to back-to-back Group I fixtures against Burundi, with the first of those matches coming on Match Day Three.
After a difficult opening week, Lwandamina’s side have put themselves back into contention. The next challenge is to ensure Tuesday’s important victory becomes the start of a sustained run rather than an isolated response.
