Togo Win Water Under The Bridge - Lwandamina
Chipolopolo interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina has urged the team to put Zambia’s 2-nil victory over Togo behind them and focus on the next assignment in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Lwandamina said the maximum points secured against Togo were important in keeping Zambia’s qualification campaign on course after the team lost 3-1 away to Algeria in its opening Group I match. Zambia's victory over Togo moved the team to second place in the group with three points, one behind leaders Algeria.
Speaking after the match, Lwandamina said the team could not afford to dwell on the victory as preparations for the next fixture continue.
“We tell them this is water under the bridge. It's gone. So we have to look forward,” Lwandamina said.
He said the team was gradually developing an understanding, with players learning how to work together and implement the technical team's instructions.
“I think, like I said earlier, 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 also described the development of the squad as a gradual process, comparing it to a relay race where responsibility is passed from one generation of players to another.
He said experienced players remain important in helping younger players develop, while stressing that players such as Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala still have a role to play in the team.
Lwandamina further cautioned supporters and the media against placing excessive pressure on young players through premature stardom.
“The supporters, which are fans, the media, you have to protect the interest of these young players. 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,” he said.
He added that constructive criticism remained important to the team's development.
“I am not saying you cannot criticise us, because critics will build us,” Lwandamina said.
Zambia secured the 2-nil victory over Togo through goals from Albert Kangwanda and Eliya Mandanji. Kangwanda opened the scoring early in the match, while Mandanji sealed the victory in stoppage time after connecting with a cross from Mathews Banda.
The result placed Zambia second in Group I on three points, with Algeria leading on four points. Burundi have one point, while Togo have no points after their first match in the group.
Zambia will next face Burundi in back-to-back Group I fixtures.