Christopher Katongo arrived today ahead of Sunday’s 2008 Africa Cup, Group 11 qualifying tie away to Congo-Brazzaville.
The striker from Danish top-flight club Brondby landed this morning just after 10:00 hrs.
His presence completes the Patrick Phiri’s list of foreign based players called up for duty for the match against Congo.
Phiri meanwhile dropped two players ahead of Zambia’s departure for Congo tomorrow, Friday.
The Zambia coach has dropped Red Arrows midfielder Brian Lubaba and Forest Ranger goalkeeper Charles Chileshe.
19 players in all will make the trip to Congo.
TEAM:
GOALKEEPERS: George Kolala (Zanaco), Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa).
DEFENDERS:Â Joseph Musonda, Kennedy Nkethani (All Zanaco), Clive Hachilensa (Free States Stars, South Africa), Hichani Himoonde (Lusaka Dynamos), Billy Mwanza (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa), Mark Sinyangwe (Nkana), Elijah Tana (Al Jeerza, UAE).
MIDFIELDERS: Felix Katongo (Clube Desportivo 1º de Agosto, Angola), Siloni Jere (Kabwe Warriors), Rainford Kalaba (Zesco United), Christopher Katongo (Brondby, Denmark), Noel Mwandila (Green Buffaloes).
FORWARDS: James Chamanga (SuperSport United, South Africa), Ignatius Lwipa (Zanaco), Collins Mbseuma (Maritimo, Portugal), Jonas Sakuwaha (Zesco United), Dube Phiri (Red Arrows).
Meanwhile,Peter Kaumba’s Zambia Under 23 squad today departed for Malawi ahead of Saturday’s Olympic Games 1st round, final leg qualifying tie against their hosts.
19 players in all have made the traveling party to face the Malawi under 23’s while Kaumba has dropped three.
The dropped trio includes long-time junior international first choice goalkeeper Rabson Muchelenganga of Power Dynamos who has three Under 23 caps to his name so far after rising through the ranks from Under 17 in 2001.
Muchelenganga’s place has been taken up by current Zambia Under 20 goalkeeper Jacob Banda while ex-Zambia number 1 Kalililo Kakonje has taken the second slot as he seeks to revive his faltering international career.
Kakonje takes up the slot vacated by Nkana goalkeeper Kelvin Mulenga who was dropped last week when the former arrived in camp.
Also dropped is Muchelenganga’s club mate and former Under 20 midfielder Norman Munthali and City of Lusaka late call-up striker Marvin Chipampe.
Zamtel defender Eugene Shamakamba has also been left out after failing to recover from an injury that has kept him out of action for his new club since joining from Kitwe United this season.
Zambia has a 3-2 advantage over Malawi from the first leg played on February 7 at Nkoloma stadium in Lusaka.
A win or draw for Zambia will see them through to the group stage qualifiers on the road to the Beijing Olympic Games football tournament.
TEAM:
GOALKEEPERS: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Kalililo Kakonje (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa).
DEFENDERS: Field Chipungu, Nyambe Mulenga (Both Forest Rangers), Willy Chinyama (Zesco United), Maybin Chishimba (Green Buffaloes), Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos), Davies Nkausu (University of Pretoria FC, South Africa), Clive Sichondwe (Kabwe Warriors), Charles Siyingwa (Konkola Blades).
MIDFIELDERS: Simon Bwalya (Power Dynamos), Clifford Mulenga (University of Pretoria, South Africa), Stophira Nsunzu (Konkola Blades), Sebastian Mwansa (Green Buffaloes), Mwape Mwelwa (National Assembly FC), Chabusha Malumani (Lusaka Dynamos).
FORWARDS: Felix Nsunzu Jr (Konkola Blades), Given Singuluma (Bay United, South Africa), Christopher Musonda (Forest Rangers).
Reading the names on paper sounds that we have teams to make 11 best for each of the teams but lets wait for the time to tell.The preparation was not adequate for the Senior National Team, even when Zanaco refused to releaze the players to train with the team,they lost TERRIBLY to Espanrance.
some body should explain to me why Sinkala has not been called now especially that bakala is also not there. I feel our mid field is not safe without these two pillars. We need to be serious in matters of this nature because we dont want someone to blame the ref tommorrow.
The on the other hand why is Phiri still the head coach? Does FAZ think we have short memory and cant remember what they said when he took over? I will end here as i continue supporting the boys. I wish the all the very best.