Zambian-born former Swedish striker Jack Kalichi Lahne finally made his debut for Chipolopolo after five years of waiting for a call-up.
The 24-year-old was included in the squad for the two back-to-back friendly matches against South Africa and Angola, which ended 3-1 and 3-2, respectively, as part of preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) scheduled to kick off on December 21 in Morocco.
He played nine minutes against South Africa after coming on as a late substitute for Leicester City striker Patson Daka. Against Angola on Tuesday, Lahne made his first start and scored the equaliser 21 minutes into the match.
“When it happened, I was proud. I was proud to score my first goal and I was saying to everybody here, I want to score here today. Hopefully next time, AFCON,” Lahne said after the game.
With 31 days before the AFCON begins, Lahne is now pushing to secure a place in the final squad. Zambia will open their campaign against Mali on December 22. They are in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Comoros, as well as Mali.
Lahne’s journey back to Zambia
Lahne, who was first unearthed by the Chipolopolo Die Hards, was born to Zambian parents but was adopted by a Swedish couple after his mother passed away when he was very young.
“I was adopted at a very young age and I last visited Zambia when I was 14,” he told BolaNews in March 2024. “I have family in Chikankata…. And I speak to my aunt here and there and I really want to reunite with them.”
The versatile forward, who can also play as a winger, represented Sweden at U17 and U19 levels but remained eligible for Zambia as he never featured for Sweden’s senior national team.
Lahne joined SC Austria Lustenau on a contract running until the summer of 2026. Since then, he has made 27 appearances and scored eight goals. This season, he has featured 13 times in the Austrian Bundesliga 2. scoring five goals, including a brace against Sturm II.
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