Zambia National Team goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga made his competitive international debut against Ivory Coast in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa stadium and kept a clean sheet.
He was key in ensuring the Chipolopolo Boys recorded a resounding 3-0 victory to secure their place at the African showpiece which will be held in Ivory Coast next year in January.
Mulenga was also instrumental for his club Power Dynamos in their title-winning campaign. He kept 21 clean sheets and conceded just 14 goals last season.
The Power Dynamos shot-stopper has described the match against Ivory Coast as the highlight of his goalkeeping career so far.
He said that before the game, he was informed in advance by coach Avram Grant that he was going to start, a thing which psychologically prepared him before the game.
“I wasn’t surprised because they already told me,” he said on ZNBC Radio 2. “So I was already prepared before the game. The phobia was obviously there but I just had to maintain my confidence…. And I told myself that this is my time to make the country proud and that was it.”
Mulenga eyeing CAF quarterfinals and playing in Europe
Mulenga also added that he is now looking forward to playing in the CAF Champions League the Zambian champions.
“I will just keep on working hard and stay focused as well as being determined. It has been a great season for me at Power Dynamos. It wasn’t easy and hopefully we will do better in the competition[Caf Champions League] and I hope will be able to reach the quarter-finals or semi-finals of the competition.”
Mulenga described himself as a modern goalkeeper who can use his feet well. He said he could love to play for any European side, which favors his playing style.
“I am inspired by a lot of modern goalkeepers, like Andre onana, Ederinson these are modern goalkeepers who play for teams that usually build from the back and I am comfortable with that playing style. So I could love to join a team that plays that,” he said.
Mulenga will now shift focus to the 2023 COSAFA Cup next month.
Zambia is in Group B with Malawi, Comoros, and Seychelles. They will look to defend the title which they won last year.
