DIGGING IN …Burundi preps take shape as skipper Sakala, 3 other pros troop in

By BENEDICT TEMBO

THE Chipolopolo camp is taking shape and strength after the arrival of team captain Fashon Sakala and five other foreign-based players for Friday’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 qualifying matches against Burundi.

The back-to-back series starts with Zambia’s home encounter at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Friday before the trip to Bujumbura for the return fixture next week.

Sakala (Al-Fayha, Saudi Arabia), defenders Ricky Chanda (Nomme United, Estonia) and David Hamansenya (FC Slovan Liberec-Czech Republic), midfielder Obino Chisala (Al Merrikh, Sudan), attacker Albert ‘Deddo’ Kangwanda (Young Africans, Tanzania), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy) and striker Chanka Zimba (Vitória de Sernache, Portugal) and goalkeeper coach Kennedy Mweene of Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa joined the Chipolopolo camp on Monday, strengthening the squad for the two crucial encounters.

Defenders Mathews Banda (Bohemians Praha FC - Czech Republic), midfielders Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), were expected to arrive later yesterday.

Greece-based midfielder Kings Kangwa who has officially completed his four-match suspension and is now available for selection, was also expected to arrive yesterday.

Kangwa, who has not played for the Chipolopolo this year after being sent off during Zambia’s 3-0 defeat to Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, will however miss Friday’s home encounter as he completes his final match suspension.

He will be eligible for selection when the two sides meet again in Bujumbura next Tuesday.

Kangwa’s return is one of the biggest boosts for the Chipolopolo’s return fixture against Burundi, who lie at the bottom with one point.

The Chipolopolo have suffered a setback with three key players ruled out due to injury.

Patson Daka (Hamburg, Germany), Lameck Banda (Swehly, Libya) and Gamphani Lungu (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), are unavailable due to injury.

The injured players have been replaced by Israel-based Edward Chilufya, Derrick Bulaya (Green Eagles) and Prince Mumba (Al Garaf - Iraq). 

Team Doctor George Magwende told FAZ media that the injured players have been ruled out of both matches as their recovery period went beyond seven days.

Zambia need maximun points over Burundi to consolidate their qualification campaign which also involves Togo and Algeria.

Zambia lost their opening Group I qualifier against Algeria 3-1 on September 25 at the 50, 766 capacity Hocine Ait Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou but beat Togo 2-0  and sit second from the table with three points, at par with Togo but with a superior goal aggregate.

Algeria, who sit at the top with four points from one win and a draw, will host Togo in the other Group I match.

The AFCON PAMOJA 2027, which will be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will run from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Ends.