There is a temptation to panic when Germany based striker Patson Daka is ruled out ahead of crucial matches. He is Zambia’s biggest name, captain in spirit if not always in armband. Losing him, plus Lameck Banda and Gamphani Lungu, for both legs against Burundi feels like a cruel…

There is a temptation to panic when Germany based striker Patson Daka is ruled out ahead of crucial matches.

He is Zambia’s biggest name, captain in spirit if not always in armband. Losing him, plus Lameck Banda and Gamphani Lungu, for both legs against Burundi feels like a cruel twist just when Chipolopolo needs momentum.

If Zambia cannot beat Burundi without Daka, then it does not deserve to be at AFCON PAMOJA 2027.

Burundi are bottom of Group I with one point. They are not Algeria. They are not a team Zambia should fear. They are a team Zambia should beat – home and away – to show seriousness about returning to Africa’s biggest stage.

This double-header is not about who is missing. It is about who steps up.

This is Edward Chilufya’s chance to remind fans why he was once the next big thing. This is Derrick Bulaya and Prince Mumba’s chance to prove the local league and the less glamorous leagues abroad still produce Chipolopolo quality. This is Kennedy Musonda’s moment – the in-form Zesco striker who has been scoring while others have been on treatment tables.

Interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina did not ask for this injury crisis, but he now has a perfect excuse to do what Zambia has needed for years: build a team, not a collection of stars.

For too long, Zambia have played like Chipolopolo is Daka plus ten others. When he is fit, Zambia looks to him. When he is not, the squad some times looks lost.

Friday at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium must be different.

Zambia must press high, move the ball quickly, and trust the system. Burundi will come to Ndola to frustrate, to waste time, to snatch a draw. The National Team cannot allow them to dictate the tempo. Zambia must score early, kill the game, and go to Bujumbura with confidence, not anxiety.

The maths is simple. Algeria lead on four points. Zambia are on three, level with Togo. Six points from Burundi puts Lwandamina’s side on nine and in command. Anything less – a draw in Ndola, a loss in Bujumbura – and Chipolopolo hand the initiative to Togo and Algeria.

Lwandamina is coaching for his future too. An interim tag is a heavy shirt to wear. Win both games, and he forces FAZ to take him seriously. Drop points, and the whispers will start again about needing a foreign coach.