No Surprises As Micho Names Squad For Botswana Test

Zambia national team head coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic has named a strong 26-man squad for the upcoming 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Botswana.

There no big surprises in the squad as old guards, Augustine Mulenga, Fashion Sakala and Justin Shonga made the cut.

Meanwhile, there is no place for TP Mazembe defender Kabaso Chongo and Red Bull Salzburg attacker Patson Daka.

However, SuperSport United attacker Gampani Lungu and WKS Slask Wroclaw’s midfielder have both been afforded opportunities to impress Micho before he whittles his squad down to 23.

The Chipolopolo will host Botswana in Lusaka in the first fixture on November, 12 before traveling for the return leg a few days later in Botswana.

The 2012 Nations Cup winners made a poor start to 2021 qualifying losing 5-0 in Algeria and then 2-1 at home to Zimbabwe, to sit bottom of Group H.

Zambia last participated in this continental showpiece in 2015, where they were eliminated in the group stages.

Full squad:

Goalkeepers:

Sebastian Mwange (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Allan Chibwe (Green Eagles, Zambia), Jackson Kakunta (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Lameck Siame (Kabwe Warriors, Zambia)

 Defenders

Tandi Mwape (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Zachariah Chilongoshi (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Kondwani Chiboni (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors, Zambia), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars, Zambia )

Midfielders

Enock Mwepu (Red Bull Salzburg,), Klings Kangwa (PFC Arsenal Tula), Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba (Zesco United), Collins Sikombe (Lusaka Dynamos), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zanaco FC), Chaniza Zulu (Power Dynamos), Leonard Mulenga (Green Buffaloes)

Forwards:

Evans Kangwa (PFC Arsenal Tula), Fashion Sakala (KV Oostende), Justin Shonga (Tshakuma Tsha Madzivhandila FC), Gamphani Lungu (Supersport United), Emmanuel Chabula (Lusaka Dynamos), Augustine Mulenga (Amazulu FC), Lubambo Musonda (WKS Slask Wroclaw), Bruce Musakanya (Zesco United), Amity Shamende (Green Eagles)