Katongo & Chansa picked for Congo clash

Striker Christopher Katongo and midfielder Isaac Chansa have made the 33-member Zambia team for this months’ 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifiers.

Katongo and Chansa earned their places in the Group E doubleheader qualifier against Congo-Brazzaville after inspiring Zambia to the quarterfinals of the 2016 CHAN tournament held in Rwanda in January where they scored a goal each in 1-0 wins over Uganda and Zimbabwe.

The duo were returning to the team after a year out of the team.

Also back is defender Davies Nkausu.

The Free State Stars defender has not played for Zambia since June, 2015 in a Group E opener against Guinea Bissau at home in Ndola that ended 0-0.

Zambia will host Congo on March 23 in Ndola before traveling for the final leg on March 27.

Chipolopolo is second in Group E on 4 points, tied with leaders Congo who beat them to top spot with a better goal difference.

team:
Goalkeepers:Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa) Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Racha Kola (Zanaco), Lawrence Mulenga (Kabwe Warriors)

Defenders: Stopilla Sunzu (Lille, France), Davies Nkausu (Free State Stars, South Africa) Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Dauti Musekwa (Zesco), Stephen Kabamba, Adrian Chama (both Green Buffaloes), Donashano Malama (Nkana), George Chilufya (Zanaco)

Midfielders: Lubambo Musonda (Gandzasar, Armenia), Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala (both TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Buchizya Mfune, Jackson Chirwa (both Green Buffaloes), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors) Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Mwelwa Mwape , Clatous Chama (both Zesco), Spencer Sautu, Mwila Phiri (both Green Eagles), Charles Zulu, Salulani Phiri, Isaac Chansa (all Zanaco)

Strikers: Winston Kalengo (AC Leopards, Congo-Brazzaville), Collins Mbesuma (Mpumalanga Black Aces, South Africa), Evans Kangwa (Hapoel Ra’anana, Israel), Christopher Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Adamson Mulao (Green Eagles), Conlyde Luchanga, Patson Daka (both Power Dynamos)