Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina has described yesterday’s draw against Burundi as disappointing but assuring fans that the team will bounce back and get things done in the reverse fixture of the PAMOJA 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Edward Chilufya had given Zambia the lead in the 65th minute after tapping in an Albert Kangwanda cross but Girumugisha levelled matters for the visitors to force a 1-all draw at a fully packed Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

“A very disappointing result…we didn’t play the way we wanted. Burundi controlled much of the game in the first half. We tried to play our game in the second half, but we made a rushed decision which cost us. I expected some level of madness from the players, but it didn’t come. We were too shaky,” Lwandamina said.

The draw sees the Chipolopolo remain second on the log table with four points tied with log leaders Algeria who face Togo today.

“In training we looked more composed, but we failed to tick. Definitely we have players who didn’t play today (Friday) that will be available in the return leg. They will make the difference. It was definitely a bad day. I am sure the boys will rise to the occasion in the reverse fixture,” Lwandamina said.

Lwandamina apologised to the fans for the poor showing and urged fans to continue rallying behind the team.

“We will bounce back in the reverse fixture. It was just one mistake and the team collapsed. We are disappointed because fans expected a lot from us. It didn’t end well. We only have one Zambia. The building process continues and we will bounce back,” he said.

Burundi coach Patrick Sangwa described the result as fair and that the players accounted for themselves well.

“We didn’t expect the result. We knew we would face a strong Zambia side but kudos to…