Ochumba undergoes successful ACL surgery in China

Ochumba Lubanji Oseke.

Copper Queens striker Ochumba Oseke Lubanji will be sidelined for at least six months after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury.

The 23-year-old had recently made a promising move to Chinese Women’s Super League side Changchun Dazhong, but the injury has cast uncertainty over her fresh start at the club.

Lubanji sustained the injury during February’s Four Nations Tournament in China, where she tore her ACL in Zambia’s match against Uzbekistan. She underwent successful surgery on May 30, 2025.

Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, visited the striker, who is currently recovering at Jishuitan Medical Hospital in Beijing.

As a result, Lubanji is expected to miss the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from July 5 to 26, 2025.

Zambia’s Ambassador to China, Ivan Zyuulu, visited the striker, who is currently recovering at Jishuitan Medical Hospital in Beijing.

“We wish you a quick recovery and encourage you to stay strong throughout your healing journey. We look forward to seeing you back on the field as soon as possible as you keep raising the Zambian flag high,” Zyuulu said, as quoted in a statement seen by BolaNews on Thursday.

The Zambian Embassy in Beijing has reaffirmed its commitment to Lubanji’s welfare and extended its best wishes for her full rehabilitation and eventual return to competitive football.

Calvin Kaumba Chikenge June 5, 2025

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Calvin Kaumba Chikenge is an award-winning Zambian multimedia sports journalist well known for his exclusive stories and feature writing. He was voted 2023/24 MTN/FAZ Super League journalist of the year. In addition to reporting on sports for Spring TV, he interned for the Zambia Daily Mail newspaper. He is the current Ballon d'Or juror and has contributed to numerous international publications, including the Guardian in the UK, and is the editor of BolaNews.