Zanaco’s call-ups for Zambia duty have been excused from the penultimate week of Chipolopolo’s 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifiers training camp in Ndola to focus on their forthcoming continent engagements this weekend.
Four Zanaco players were called-up by George Lwandamina for his provisional 33-member team ahead of next weeks Group E doubleheader against Congo-Brazzaville at home on March 23 in Ndola and away in Brazzaville on March 27.
Zanaco have a Confederation Cup first round, return leg date against Harare City on March 20 and lead 2-1 from the first leg played on March 12 at Rufaro Stadium in Harare.
The return leg match to be played at Nkoloma Stadium match will be live on SuperSport.
“We will not expect the Zanaco guys to join us. We cannot call them then send them back,” Zambia team manager Lusekelo Kamwambi said.
“It is better they concentrate on their continental game and when we announce the final 24 this Saturday we will only call those according to the final selection.”
The Zanaco players are goalkeeper Racha Kola, defender George Chilufya, including midfielders Charles Zulu, Salulani Phiri and Isaac Chansa.
However, all four Zesco United players who have a Champions League away date against horoya AC in Guinea on Sunday are in camp and will be release on the eve of departure.
“We will release the Zesco players Tuesday or Wednesday depending on when they are leaving. It is easier for them to be here because they are based in Ndola and the coach is the same one handling them at club,” Kamwambi said.
The Zesco players are goalkeeper Jacob Banda, defender Dauti Musekwa and midfielders Cletus Chama and Mwape Mwelwa.
Pliz Zanaco, dont field a strong team. Harare City is bringing in a weak team. Just relax because the Harare side have admitted defeat.