LWANDAMINA HAILS GROWING TEAMWORK AFTER CHIPOLOPOLO’S TOGO VICTORY
30.09.2026 | Football DNA
Chipolopolo head coach George Lwandamina says Zambia are beginning to develop a stronger sense of teamwork, with players increasingly covering for one another when mistakes occur.
Lwandamina said the improvement was evident in Zambia’s 2-0 victory over Togo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, just four days after individual errors contributed to a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in their opening AFCON 2027 qualifier.
Speaking during the post-match press conference, Lwandamina said his players responded positively to instructions from the technical bench and showed the character required to secure the victory.
“Togo are a good team, but we prepared for them. And the boys followed the instructions. They did the best they could,” Lwandamina said.
“THEY WERE PLAYING FOR EACH OTHER”
While collecting three points was important, Lwandamina said one of the most encouraging aspects of the performance was seeing his players fight for each other.
The coach explained that unlike in the Algeria defeat, where mistakes proved costly, the players against Togo were quick to support teammates whenever errors occurred.
“If you heard me right, they were playing for each other. One would make a mistake, the other one would rectify the mistake,” he said.
Lwandamina acknowledged that mistakes were inevitable in football but said strong teams were able to minimise their impact by working collectively and covering for one another.
He added that the growing understanding within the squad was helping the team mature, with players increasingly motivating each other rather than depending entirely on instructions from the technical bench.
According to Lwandamina, the developing bond within the squad was encouraging as Zambia continued to build a team capable of competing consistently.
EXPERIENCE AND YOUTH STILL IMPORTANT
Lwandamina also stressed the importance of maintaining a balance between experienced players and the younger members of the squad.
He said the experience provided by senior players remained valuable alongside the energy and potential of the younger generation as Chipolopolo continued their development.
The coach was pleased to see Zambia respond immediately after the Algeria setback, describing the three points against Togo as crucial to getting their qualification campaign back on track.
“At least we have gotten three points. And I’m sure the tables will be changed,” he said.
However, Lwandamina cautioned that the road to qualification remained challenging and called for commitment from everyone involved with the national team.
Following the victory, Zambia moved into second place in Group I with three points, level with third-placed Togo but ahead on goal difference.
For Lwandamina, however, the biggest positive may be the growing mentality within the squad: when one player makes a mistake, another is ready to correct it.
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