Chipolopolo winger Lameck Banda opened his scoring account for Al Swehly SC, netting on his league debut as they downed Al Watan 2-0 on Thursday. This was Banda’s first league outing in Libya since signing for Al Swehly after parting ways with Italian Serie A side US Lecce in somewhat controversial circumstances.

Following their exit from the CAF Champions League at the hands of Esperance de Tunis, Al Swehly kick-started their league title defense against Al Watan at the Zaawia Stadium.

A long ball from very deep in Al Swehly’s half caused all sorts of problems for Al Watan, who failed to clear their lines, prompting Banda to pounce in the 28th minute. The Zambian got onto the end of a poor clearance in the box, getting the finishing touch before the goalkeeper could smother the ball.

88 minutes into the contest Al Swehly put the game beyond the hosts, making it 2-0 through Moad Lissa.

A huge three points for Al Swehly in their first game of the 2026-27 Libyan Premier League after missing the first two opening match days owing to continental assignments.

Banda started both CAF Champions League first-round qualification matches against Esperance de Tunis, whom they fell to on penalties after a 1-1 draw on aggregate.

Lameck Banda finally settling.

While, the 25 year old Zambian is settling, he is still facing legal battles with US Lecce over his transfer to Al Swehly.

Despite FIFA giving him the go-ahead to move to Libya, the Italian Arbitration Panel penalized him about €256,250 (ZMW 5.7 million) for breaching contractual obligations with the Italian club.

US Lecce has presented the case to FIFA, hoping to earn more financial compensation from both Al Swehly and Banda.

For Al Swehly, they host Al Bashayer on November 3 in the Libyan Premier League as they look to gain ground on league leaders Al Madina, who have won their first three league matches.