Lameck Banda out of danger after collapsing in Italy

Zambia national team winger Lameck Banda is out of danger after collapsing during a league match in Italy on Saturday, the Football Association of Zambia has confirmed.

Banda, who plays for U.S. Lecce in the Italian Serie A, went down during his team’s match against SSC Napoli and was rushed to hospital, raising concern among fans in Zambia and abroad.

Terrifying scenes as Serie A star collapses on the pitch during Napoli clash https://t.co/9Mj0GVMw9b

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The player was taken to Cardarelli Hospital in Naples where he was kept under medical observation overnight as doctors checked his condition.

Banda collapsed during match against Napoli

A statement from FAZ read in part: “The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has been in contact with Chipolopolo winger Lameck Banda following an incident during a match in Italy on Saturday in which he collapsed and was rushed to hospital.

“Banda was taken to Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, where he was placed under observation until this morning. Chipolopolo Team Manager Charles Kalala, who spoke with the player, confirmed that Banda is now out of danger and has since been discharged from hospital.”

The statement concluded: “Banda, who plays for U.S. Lecce in the Serie A, collapsed during his team’s match against SSC Napoli. FAZ will issue a comprehensive update once the medical team provides further details on the player’s condition.”

Banda was forced to leave playing pitch

Confirming Banda’s incident, his club said on social media post: “Following a challenge during the Napoli-Lecce match, Lameck Banda was forced to leave the playing field. The player was taken to the Cardarelli Hospital in Naples, where he is under observation.

“Lameck Banda was discharged from Cardarelli hospital after a series of accidents that gave a negative result.”

Banda later issued a statement by saying: “Thank you very much to everyone who supported me and sent messages. I really appreciate the love and concern. I want you to know that I am fine. Your prayers and encouragement mean a lot to me.”

After the match, Lecce manager Eusebio Di Francesco had this to say about Banda: “We were a bit worried about him, but it seems it was just a nasty knock that affected him.

“I was worried, yes – he took a blow to the chest, on the right side – but I think everything will turn out fine.”

The incident occurred in the 86th minute, seconds after colliding with Spanish player Miguel Gutiérrez.