The Zambia Under-23 Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign is firmly in progress with Assistant coach Bilton Musonda signalling that he will summon seven foreign based players for the March 20 first leg encounter away to Malawi.
Musonda told FAZfootball.com at Nkoloma Stadium that the technical bench will summon all the eligible and competitive players for the crucial encounter.
He said that members of the 2017 Africa Cup Under-20 winning side will comprise the bulk of the under-23 squad.
Among the foreign players that are expected to join camp are the Austrian duo of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu whose side is campaigning in the UEFA Europa League.
Others are Fashion Sakala (Oostende-Belgium), Edward Chilufya (IF Djurgardens-Sweden), Gampani Lungu (SuperSport United-RSA, Emmanuel Banda (AS Béziers-France) and Boston Muchindu who plies his trade in Portugal).
Musonda led the team through the paces at Nkoloma Stadium with the exception Zesco United, Kabwe Warriors, Nkana and Buildocn players.
Zambia will be away to Malawi on March 20 before hosting the junior flames in Lusaka four days later.
Winner over two legs will face either Burundi or Congo Brazzaville in the final qualifying round.
Eight teams will compete at the AFCON with top three teams automatically qualifying to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Full list of local players
(Goalkeepers)
Mangani Banda (Zanaco), Jackson Kakunta (Power Dynamos), Charles Muntanga (Nkwazi), Lameck Siame (Kitwe United)
(Defenders)
Wayne Museba, Field Kandela (Kabwe Warriors), Saty Phiri (Circuit City), Paul Banda (Lusaka Dynamos), Sydney Phiri (Gomes), Kebson Kamanga, Lewis Maimba, (Nkwazi), Moses Nyondo (Nkana), Solomon Sakala, Shemmy Mayembe (both Zesco United), Chiboni Kondwani (Power Dynamos)
(Midfielders)
Boyd Musonda (Zanaco), Simon Nkhata (Napsa Stars), Twiza Chaibela, Prince Mumba (both Kabwe Warriors), Ngosa Sunzu, Lameck Banda (both Buildcon) Edward Tembo (Zesco United), Crispin Sakulanda (Red Arrows), Harrison Chisala (Nkana), Benson Kolala (Forest Rangers)
(Strikers)
Biston Banda, Mangani Phiri (both Circuit City), Musonda Siame (Lumwana), Linos Makwaza junior (Power Dynamos), Klings Kangwa (Buildcon)
