Zambia National Team Coach Avram Grant has named a strong 29-member squad for the decisive 2023 Total Energies AFCON Group H Qualifier match against Ivory Coast billed for 17 June, 2023 at Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola.
18 foreign based players will lead a Chipolopolo side that has seen the return of 2012 AFCON winner Stoppila Sunzu and Spain-based striker Francisco Mwepu who has been called to the senior squad for the first time.
Edward Chilufya of Danish outfit Midtjylland misses out due to injury while Czech domiciled Benson Sakala is also on the mend.
The yet-to-be cleared Toronto FC towering defender Aime Mabika is part of Grant’s plan for the crunch tie in Ndola.
Nchanga Rangers goalkeeper Victor Chabu and FC MUZA striker Andrew Phiri have also been called in Grant’s setup with SuperSport United midfielder Gamphani Lungu also making his way back in the team.
Zambia are second on nine points behind leaders and already qualified Ivory Coast in Group H and need a point in the remaining two group matches to secure a spot at next year’s AFCON.
Tickets for the June 17, 2023 qualifier match can be purchased in Shoprite via CompuTicket from K20 for early birds and K50 for north and south wings. East wing tickets are pegged at K150, K200 for west and K750 for VIP.
The team will enter camp in the first week of June with foreign based players expected early following the closure of foreign leagues.
Source: Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)