Chipolopolo winger Lameck Banda came off the bench to score a 90th minute freekick goal for US Lecce in their Italian Serie A encounter vs. Udinese.
He secured three valuable points for the hosts, moving them three points clear of the relegation zone.
US Lecce broke the deadlock in the fifth minute through winter signing Omri Gandelman, who pounced on a loose ball in the 18 yard box to score with a decisive left footed shot. The visitors responded just 21 minutes later with a penalty kick from Oumar Solet.
The home side came out firing on all cylinders in the second half creating numerous chances that went begging. To bolster their attack, coach Eusebio Di Francesco summoned Zambian winger Lameck Banda from the bench. The 25 year old replaced Santiago Pierotti in the 68th minute.
“It’s a good feeling” – Banda.
Udinese continued to sock up the pressure from US Lecce, who needed a win in their battle to survive relegation. I Giallorossi won a freekick on the opposition half as the match progressed towards added time.
Banda took the responsibility from over 25 yards as he looked to test Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye in Udinese’s goal. In spectacular fashion, the Zambian playmaker struck the ball emphatically to curl it into the net leaving Okoye scrambling on the line.
This sent the US Lecce technical bench and stadium into bedlam as Banda was embraced by his teammates. This is now Lameck Banda’s highest scoring season in Italy, netting three Serie A goals for the first time since joining Lecce in 2022.
“I’m grateful for this award. It’s a result of teamwork and hard work.” It’s a good feeling, but the most important thing is the win. Forzalecce 💛💛,” said Lameck Banda after winning the man of the match award.
With their first win since December, US Lecce are now three points above 18th placed Fiorentina, staying above the relegation zone.
I Giallorossi will hope this result will galvanize them ahead of important upcoming fixtures against Cagliari, Inter and Como in their bid to maintain their topflight status.
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