Lameck Banda sets up match winner in Lecce victory

Lameck Banda came off the bench on Friday to give Lecce supporters an early Christmas gift before he leaves for Africa Cup of Nations duty with Zambia.

The Chipolopolo winger displayed his dazzling dribbling skills in the process of setting up the only goal in Lecce’s crucial 1-0 victory over Pisa in a battle between Serie A relegation candidates. The Zambian caused chaos by running at the Pisa defense on the left wing before crossing for Nikola Stulic’s match winner in the 72nd minute.

Visitors Pisa attempted to put up a bunker, showing little attacking intent throughout the match. This strategy worked for a long stretch as the two teams, who both rank among the Italian top flight’s worst offenses, battled to a scoreless first half.

But Lecce coach Eusebio di Francesco had options on the bench to add a spark and Banda answered the call. After he and Stulic came on shortly after the hour mark, the two combined to give the hosts the edge and a second consecutive home victory. Prior to earning back-to-back home victories, I Lupi had failed to claim maximum points at the Stadio Via del mare outside of a Coppa Italia victory over Serie B side Juve Stabia back in August.

For Banda, it had been a rather uneventful season up until the end of November when he scored in a 2-1 victory over Torino on November 30. However, he is playing a substantial role in Lecce’s awakening and the club now sit in 13th place on the Serie A table pending results from the weekend.

Now Banda will leave for national team duty with Zambia, who are in Group A at the AFCON and will begin their tournament on December 22 against Mali.