The Zambia Under-23 kicks of its 2019 U23 AFCON qualifiers preparations next week.
Coach Beston Chambeshi has named a 31-member provisional team with the core of the side made up of the 2017 U20 AFCON winners.
But Chambeshi has yet to name his foreign call-ups for the second round qualifier against Malawi in March.
Goalkeeper Mangani Banda, defenders Shemmy Mayembe, Moses Nyondo, midfielder Harrison Chisala and Boyd Musonda headline the team that enters come for the first week of camp from January 28-31.
The second camp will be from February 11-14 and the final one will be held from February 25-28.
Zambia will be away to Malawi in the first leg during the week of March 18 and the return leg to follow in Lusaka on March 26.
The winner will advance to the final round in June where they face Congo-Brazzaville or Burundi for a place at the tournament Egypt will stage from November 8-22.
TEAM:
GOALKEEPERS:Mangani Banda (Zanaco), Jackson Kakunta (Power Dynamos), Charles Muntanga (Nkwazi), Timothy Zulu (MUZA FC)
DEFENDERS: Moses Nyondo (Nkana), Prosper Chiluya (Nkwazi), Solomon Sakala, Shemmy Mayembe (both Zesco United), Sydney Phiri (Gomes), Paul Banda (Lusaka Dynamos), Luke Banda (Napsa Stars), Kebson Kamanga (Nkwazi), Dominic Chanda (Circuit City)
MIDFIELDERS:Boyd Musonda (Zanaco), Harrison Chisala (Nkana), Linos Makwaza jr (Power Dynamos), Satty Phiri (Circuit City), Musonda Siame (Lumwana Radiants), Lameck Banda, Edward Tembo (Zesco United), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Austin Banda (Napsa Stars), Chrispin Sakulanda (Red Arrows)
STRIKERS: Happy Nsofwa (Lumwana), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Stephen Banda (MUZA Academy), Davy Daka (Power Dynamos), Theophilus Kasonde (Paramilitary), Bwalya Chella (Young Buffaloes), Benson Kolala (Nchanga Rangers)
Every time you read: Beston names team, then it’s indeed a competitive team.
Just look at the goalkeepers, even Bradley Mweene will agree if left out.
But when will we discover a gem to replace Kalaba. When will Zambia harvest another lethal striker of Mbesuma quality?
CONGO BRAZAVILLE WILL ELIMINATE ZAMBIA FOR MALAWI U WILL ADVANCE BUT BLAZA FORGET SO BETTER WITHDRAW AND USE THE MONEY TO EVACUATE SICK POLITICIANS TO SOUTH AFRICA AND INDIA