Lameck Banda ends goal drought in Lecce victory

Lameck Banda and Lassana Coulibaly scored as US Lecce won at home for the first time this season in Serie A with Sunday’s 2-1 result over Torino.

Zambian attacker Banda ended a nearly two-year wait for a goal by scoring the winner for the relegation fighters, who moved up 14th position on the table in Italy’s top flight. Both goals for the hosts came in a two-minute span to give them an unassailable lead.

Mali international midfielder Coulibaly opened the scoring in the 20th minute when he arrived at the far post to head in from a Medon Berisha corner kick.

And barely ninety seconds later it was Banda’s turn. Berisha drove into the penalty area on the right flank and directed a low cross to the far post where the Zambian was left with a simple finish from close range. For the talented 24-year-old winger, who has continued to battle injuries with Lecce, it was his first goal for the club since December 11, 2023.

After a long spell of inconsistent playing time and form along with injuries, Banda has now played in the last nine matches for the the Giallorossi, who will next travel to face Cremonese on December 7.