Last Sunday, Zambian striker Kingstone Mutandwa debuted in the Italian Serie A for Cagliari Calcio FC in their 1-0 win over Empoli, following a Jakub Jankto 69th-minute goal.

Mutandwa was subbed on in the 87th minute, having previously appeared on the bench for the Cangliari first team against Bologna and Frosinone.

In just three minutes, the 21-year-old former Atletico Lusaka striker won three out of three aerial duels.

Mutandwa’s debut made him only the second Zambian in history to play in the Italian top division, after US Lecce winger Lameck Banda.

He joined Cagliari on a permanent deal from Zambian second-tier side Athletico Lusaka last season. This came after scoring 16 goals in 22 games in the Zambia National Division One League.

Following his transfer, he has been playing for Cagliari’s U19 team, scoring five goals in 18 games this season.

Meanwhile, Claudio Ranieri’s side has been hit by injuries ahead of their match against bottom-placed Serlanitana on Saturday.

They will be without strikers Andre Petagna, Leonardo Pavoletti, and Zito Luvumbo.

This gives Mutandwa another chance to be part of the first team and make his second appearance in Serie A.

The Zambian has been training with Ranieri’s side since last Sunday and is expected to make the squad for the Salernitana clash.

Cagliari is third from bottom in the relegation zone with 23 points after round 27. A win for them on Saturday could lift them out of the bottom three.