With Zambia’s squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers set to be announced, Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina has refused to reveal whether in-form stars Gamphani Lungu and Clatous Chama will make the final cut.
Lungu has been making a strong case for a return to the national team after producing impressive performances for Orlando Pirates.
The winger has contributed two goals and an assist in his last five matches for the South African giants, placing himself firmly in contention ahead of Zambia’s crucial September qualifiers.
Chama, meanwhile, has also been enjoying a good run of form at club level, prompting calls from supporters for both players to be included in Lwandamina’s squad.
Lwandamina refuses to give anything away
Zambia will begin their Group I campaign away against Algeria on September 25 before returning home to face Togo four days later at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
With the squad announcement approaching, Lwandamina was asked about the possibility of including Lungu and Chama but chose not to disclose his plans.
“I don’t want to pre-empt. You will see the squad which will be announced. They are all Zambians.”
The coach stressed that competition for places is healthy for the national team and confirmed that his technical team continues to monitor players based both at home and abroad.
“It is good for the country, and if there is that competition in the team, then you have a team. If players can fight, then you have a team. We are following them,” Lwandamina said.
Coach monitoring AFCON opponents
While keeping his selection plans under wraps, Lwandamina revealed that his technical team is also studying Zambia’s Group I opponents ahead of the qualifiers.
The Chipolopolo will face a challenging start against Algeria before taking on Togo in their second fixture.
“We are following what is happening. We have been following what they have been doing, so we are there,” he said.
For Lungu and Chama, the wait now continues.
Their club form has certainly strengthened their cases, but whether it will be enough to earn them places in Lwandamina’s final squad will only be known when the Chipolopolo coach unveils his selections.
