…as Avram Grant unveils 25-member squad
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
THE Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed that the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations bound Chipolopolo boys will play two international friendly matches against Egypt and Uganda on October 12 and 17 respectively.
The two matches that are being used as preparatory games for the November round of FIFA World Cup qualifiers will be staged in Dubai.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has unveiled a 25-member squad consisting of 14 foreign-based stars and 11 local stars for the back-to-back international friendly matches during the October FIFA window.
Grant has maintained a core of the team that defeated Ivory Coast 3-0 in Ndola before a 1-1 stalemate against Comoros Islands in the last game.
Grant, who is yet to test defeat since he was appointed Chipolopolo coach has recalled striker Francisco Mwepu who features for Atletico Sanluqueno in Spain while speedy winger Lameck Banda (Lecce), Frankie Musonda (Ayr United) and goal keeper Lawrence Mulenga have not been included in the squad due to injuries.
Notable stars summoned by Grant include, China-based Stopila Sunzu, Leicester City’s Patson Daka and the Saudi Arabia domiciled Fashion Sakala who makes a return after missing Chipolopolo’s last match against Comoros due to suspension.
Grant has also summoned local stars such as Red Arrows captain Benedict Chepeshi, Prison Leopards’ Zephaniah Phiri, the Zesco United duo of Kelvin Kapumbu and Kelvin Kampamba and Forest Rangers striker Moyela Libamba among the 11 local stars.
The Chipolopolo boys are preparing for the FIFA World Cup qualifiers in November where they play Congo Brazzaville and Niger.
Grant will also treat the qualifiers as a build up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations that will be played in Ivory Coast in January, 2024. Draws for the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Abidjan on October 12, the same day the Chipolopolo will be facing the north African giants, Egypt.
Meanwhile, Uganda Cranes interim head coach Morley Byekwaso Ochama has named a 36-member provisional squad for the October International break.
Uganda Cranes will face Mali on October 13 in Bamako before taking on Zambia in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Chipolopolo squad:
GOALKEEPERS – Francis Mwansa (Green Buffaloes), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows) and Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers).
DEFENDERS – Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Zephaniah Phiri (Prison Leopards), Stoppila Sunzu (Jinan Xingzhou-China), Gift Mphande (Hapoel Lishon Lezion-Israel), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Roderick Kabwe (Zakho Sports Club-Iraq) and John Chishimba (Zesco United).
MIDFIELDERS – Kelvin Kapumbu, Kelvin Kampamba (both Zesco United), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech), Kings Kangwa (Crzena Zvezda-Serbia), Clatous Chama (Simba SC-Tanzania), Emmanuel Banda (Rijeka-Croatia), Rally Bwalya (Sekhukhune-RSA), Lubambo Musonda (Silkeborg IF-Denamrk), Edward Chilufya (Hacken-Sweden) and Fashion Sakala (Club Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia).
STRIKERS – Francisco Mwepu (Atletico Sanluqueno-Spain), Evans Kangwa (Quingdao Hainiu-China), Patson Daka (Leicester-England) and Moyela Libamba (Forest Rangers).
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