We don’t fear Algeria – Lwandamina

Chipolopolo Coach George Lwandamina has declared that Zambia does not fear Algeria and Togo ahead of this month’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers. Zambia plays Algeria in Algiers on 25th September and hosts Togo in Ndola on the 29th. Speaking when he…

Chipolopolo Coach George Lwandamina has declared that Zambia does not fear Algeria and Togo ahead of this month’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

Zambia plays Algeria in Algiers on 25th September and hosts Togo in Ndola on the 29th.

Speaking when he unveiled his 27-man squad in Lusaka, Lwandamina said Zambia has an opportunity to re-write history.

“We have respect for Algeria and Togo, but we cannot fear them. We have an opportunity to rewrite history. Even players as they are coming for these games have to work toward that goal. We have already been drawn against Algeria so we can’t say we won’t play, we will play and win,” Lwandamina said.

He said Chipolopolo understands the task ahead.

“Yes, Algeria played at the World Cup, but we also played against Argentina in a friendly match, so we measured our prowess. We understand what is ahead of us,” Lwandamina said.

The Nchanga Rangers coach said his bench will manage pressure.

“A period does not determine the levels of pressure, it can be a minute, but you are under a pressure, it can be ten years, but you are still under pressure. I’m sure we will be able to resolve the issue of pressure psychologically going into this game,” he said.

Lwandamina is confident Zambia can deliver.

“We demand that players are selfless and perform well for Mother Zambia. Players must come and fight to the bitter end. It won’t be an easy task but collectively I’m sure we can do it,” he said.

Asked about absentees, Lwandamina said selection is bound by rules and need to broaden scope.

“There are various reasons why some players are missing from the squad. I’m not in a position to delve into whatever we do in the bedroom but just know that when a player is not in the squad, they might be injured or suspended. I’m sure I’m confident and they can deliver,” he said.

“There are so many players out there, but we are bound by numbers. We have to follow CAF and FIFA benchmarks. We have limits. I understand where you are coming, they are good players, they have been there, but we have to see even others for us to broaden the scope of selection. We don’t have to confine ourselves to the same people all the time. Zambia is big,” he added.

Zambia is in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo, and Burundi.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the banner TotalEnergies AFCON Pamoja 2027.

Top two teams in nine of the 12 groups will qualify automatically.

In Groups D, H, L – where the three host nations are – only one slot will be available.