Zambia have suffered a setback ahead of their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign, with striker Kingstone Mutandwa ruled out of the upcoming clash against Burundi through injury.
The Switzerland-based forward sustained a knee injury while featuring for Servette FC in their league encounter against FC St. Gallen over the weekend.
Servette have confirmed that Mutandwa will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks, with his return to competitive action anticipated in early 2027, subject to a positive recovery.
“Victim of a knee injury against FC Saint-Gall, Kingstone Mutandwa will be unavailable for approximately eight weeks,” the Swiss club announced in a medical update.
The injury means Mutandwa will miss Zambia’s upcoming AFCON 2027 qualifying assignment against Burundi, depriving the Chipolopolo of another attacking option.
The former Italy-based striker took to Facebook to express his disappointment but remained grateful that the injury was not more serious.
“Every time I step onto the pitch, my prayer is always to come back healthy. Unfortunately, injuries are part of football, but I thank God that it wasn’t anything more serious,” he wrote.
“I’m grateful to everyone who has checked on me and kept me in their prayers. Your love means a lot.
“Now it’s time to focus on recovery, come back stronger, and do what I love again.”
Mutandwa will now turn his attention to rehabilitation as he targets a return to action in early 2027.
