By Mubukwanu Kaingu
Lameck Banda will miss this week’s Four-nation friendly tournament in Malawi due to injury.
The winger from Italian Serie A side Lecce was one of 12 foreign-based players in Avram Grant’s 24-member team for the friendly tournament Malawi will host from March 18-26 at Bingu National Stadium in Lilongwe.
Football Association of Zambia spokesperson Sydney Mungala said in an interview that Banda has been replaced by striker Gamphani Lungu of South African PSL club SuperSport United.
“The coach has been tracking the progress Gamphani has been making with SuperSport and decided to have a closer look during this FIFA window,” Mungala said.
“It is sad that Lameck will miss out but indications are that the injury is only for a few weeks which is good for us.”
This will be Lungu’s first call-up under Grant since the Israeli-born coach was appointed Chipolopolo trainer in December 2022.
Meanwhile, Mungala disclosed that the Chipolopolo home-based players will leave for Malawi tomorrow.
He added that all the foreign-based players will fly directly to Lilongwe from their respective bases.
Meanwhile, the Four-nation friendly tournament has attracted Kenya, Zimbabwe and hosts Malawi.
Chipolopolo will face Zimbabwe in their opening game on March 23 for a place in the final on March 26 at Bingu National Stadium.
The winner will play the victor of the Kenya versus Malawi match who will meet in the second kickoff on March 23.
