Hacken explains why Edward Chilufya has not played since returning from AFCON

Zambian winger Edward Chilufya joined Swedish side BK Häcken on loan in September from Danish giants Midtjylland until June this year.

The Chipolopolo star returned to Sweden, where he played for Djurgårdens IF and scored 17 goals with 9 assists in 71 appearances before his €3.5 million move to Midtjylland in 2022.

Edward Chilufya celebrating a goal while featuring for Midtjylland. (Photo/courtesy)

While in Denmark, Chilufya only managed to score six goals in 61 appearances before he was sent on loan.

After he was unveiled by Häcken, he said in an interview with the club’s media that “I want to score more goals than I did the last time I was in Sweden. I have to score as many as I can.”

True to his word, Chilufya adapted quickly and became an important player for the Häcken, scoring five goals in eight games, including a brace against AIK in the Allsvenskan.

No action since AFCON for Edward Chilufya

Since returning from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with Zambia, he has yet to play for Häcken. He appeared twice against Tanzania and Morocco before the Chipolopolo were eliminated,

Edward Chilufya during the AFCON Group F match between Zambia and Morocco. (Photo by SIA KAMBOU / AFP)

Chilufya has missed three consecutive friendlies, including Saturday’s cup game against Ostersund, which Häcken won 2-0.

The 24-year-old rapid winger trained with the team upon his return from the AFCON.

Explaining why the Zambian has not played since his return from AFCON, Häcken has said that “Edward Chilufya is ill.”

Häcken’s next match is on Monday next week against Landskrona in the Svenska Cup, and he will hope Chilufya recovers to be part of the traveling squad.