Zambian international striker Gamphani Lungu suffered an injury scare on Tuesday night during Orlando Pirates’4-0 Betway Premiership win over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium. Lungu opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a penalty to put Pirates ahead early. However, his night was cut short in the 13th minute when he picked up a […]
Zambian international striker Gamphani Lungu suffered an injury scare on Tuesday night during Orlando Pirates’4-0 Betway Premiership win over Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium.
Lungu opened the scoring in the 4th minute with a penalty to put Pirates ahead early.
However, his night was cut short in the 13th minute when he picked up a knock and was replaced by Oswin Appollis.
Pirates went on to dominate, moving clear at the top of the Betway Premiership standings with the emphatic win.
Speaking after the match, Lungu said he was devastated to leave the pitch so soon after scoring.
“Not the outcome any of us fought for today. Scoring for this team always fills me with pride, but having to walk off early with an injury immediately after scoring breaks my heart,” Lungu said.
The 28-year-old striker, who joined Pirates from Siwelele FC in June last year, has been in good form. He has now scored 4 goals in 7 appearances*for the Buccaneers this season.
He also thanked Pirates supporters who turned up in Mbombela.
“To our incredible supporters who packed the stands and poured their hearts into cheering us on your unwavering energy means everything to us. Leaving the pitch early hurts but knowing you stand behind us through every high and low gives me the strength to push through,” he said.
Lungu is expected to undergo a full medical assessment today in Johannesburg to determine the extent of the injury and how long he will be sidelined.
The timing is worrying for both club and country. Lungu is one of the players widely expected to be called up by Zambia coach George Lwandamina for next month’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Algeria and Togo.
“I’m devastated to be sidelined, but my focus now shifts completely to healing. I’m going to pour everything into my recovery so I can get back out there, fully fit, and give you the performances you truly deserve. Thank you for always believing in us,” Lungu added.
Pirates will hope the injury is minor as they push to maintain their lead at the top of the table, while Zambia will be anxiously waiting for the medical report ahead of crucial AFCON qualifiers.
The exact recovery period will only be confirmed after today’s assessment.
