The Zambia national football team goes into camp Wednesday night in Lusaka to begin preparations for next their October 24, Cosafa Castle Cup final match against South Africa to be played in Bloemfontein.
Zambia will be camped in Lusaka until departure for South Africa on Monday ahead of their game on Independence Day.
The occasion will also mark head coach Patrick Phiri’s return to the bench after a five week absence after leading Zambia to a dramatic 3-1 win over South Africa in Cape Town.
Meanwhile, the Zambia Under-23 national team arrived back home on Tuesday evening from Senegal where they lost 2-1 to their hosts in an Olympic football tournament qualifier.
Coach Peter Kaumba said today that he was confident his team would make a dramatic comeback to reclaim leadership0 of Group B when they travel to new leaders Ivory Coast on November 18.
Ivory Coast who lead on 9 points from four games played need a win on that date to qualify for the Beijing finals with a game in hand.
Zambia are on 7 points from four games after losing to 3rd placed Senegal on 5 points last Saturday.
Zambia team
Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, south Africa), Mike Poto (Green Buffaloes).
Defenders: Kampamba Chintu (Free State Stars, South Africa), Clive Hachilensa (Mariehamn,Finland), Billy Mwanza, Joseph Musonda (Both Lomtville Golden Arrows), Kennedy Nkethani (Zanaco), Joseph Zimba (Red Arrows).
Midfielders: Ian Bakala (Primeiro de Agosto, Angola), Felix Katongo (Petro Atletico, Angola), Francis Kasonde, Kennedy Mudenda (Both Power Dynamos), Kruger Mwansa (Red Arrows), Stophira Nsunzu (Konkola Blades), William Njovu (Lusaka Dynamos).
Forwards: Noah Chivuta (Wits University, South Africa), Elson Mukandawire (Power Dynamos), Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors).