Russian-based midfielder Chisamba Lungu has been left out of the trimmed 23-man Chipolopolo squad for the March back to back 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifiers against Congo Brazaville.
Lungu is not in George Lwandamina’s Zambia squad released by FAZ on Thursday amid unconfirmed reports suggesting that the FC Ural midfielder was injured.
Chipolopolo will host Congo on March 23 in Ndola before travelling to Brazzaville on March 27.
Power Dynamos striker Patson Daka has also been dropped.
Veterans Christopher Katongo and Isaac Chansa have made the cut together with ten foreign-based players including Davies Nkausu who returns to the squad since June 2015.
Zambia are second in Group E on four points, level with Congo who beat them to top spot on goal difference.
The squad:
Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns/RSA), Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Racha Kola (Zanaco);
Defenders: Buchizya Mfune (Green Buffaloes), Stephen Kabamba (Green Buffaloes), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Davies Nkausu (Free State Stars/RSA), Stoppila Sunzu (Lille/FRANCE), Chongo Kabaso (TP Mazembe/DRC);
Midfielders: Jackson Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Salulani Phiri (Zanaco), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe/DRC), Lubambo Musonda (Gandzasar Kapan/ARMENIA), Isaac Chansa (Zanaco), Christopher Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazmbe/DRC), Clatous Chota Chama (Zesco United);
Strikers: Collins Mbesuma (Mpumalanga Black Aces/RSA), Evans Kangwa (Hapoel Ra’anana/ISRAEL), Conlyde Luchanga (Lusaka Dynamos), Winston Kalengo (AC Leopards/Congo)
I personally have more confidence in Jacob Banda than in Kennedy Mweene who is currently warming the bench at his club.
Somehow am scared of these Brazzaville boys considering their 3-1 drubbing of Nigeria in Nigeria, and the general state of confusion in FAZ, plus our historical failures in making good travel arrangements. This effectively means Chipolopolo should leave for Ponte Noire the same Wednesday next week soon after the game
@ Ba Wanu Ngwee, I agree with you on Chipolopolo leaving for Congo on the same day after the game. In fact, they could ask the Brazzaville boys for a lift.
Chisamba Lunga and Lwandamina!!! What’s the problem??? Its like there is something going on between the two, which makes ba coach to always want to leave him out of the team.. Jacob Banda is currently better than Mweene. He has really shown maturity and I think he is the right man to stand between the sticks or in goal for Zambia…Fi Congo ukulanda fye ichishinka, filetinya mwe!!!
Iwe Chanda tamumfwa ati fi Congo filetinya…