Leicester City forward Patson Daka and his Brighton and Hove Albion compatriot Enock Mwepu are among notable names in Zambia squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group H qualifiers.
Zambia coach Aljosa Asanovic has released a 25-member squad ahead of the trip to Ivory Coast for a dance with the Elephants on June 3 followed by a tie against Comoros four later in Lusaka.
Zambia’s group also comprises Lesotho.
Other notable names in the travelling party are Rangers striker Fashion Sakala and Evans Kangwa from Russian side Arsenal Tula.
However, veteran goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene is not available due to club commitments with DStv Premiership champions Mamelodi Sundowns in South Africa.
However, Sekhukhune keeper Nsabata and Chibwe have made the cut for the squad as part of South Africa-based legion comprising Roderick Kabwe (Sekhukhune) and SuperSport United’s Gamphani Lungu.
Asanovic has since released the final 25-member squad with South Africa’s AmaZulu forward Augustine Mulenga ruled out alongside Simba SC’s Clatous Chama due to injuries.
“We will be ready. All we need is just to focus and play at a higher level,” Asanovic told Football Association of Zambia website.
Zambia squad:
GOALKEEPERS
Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune-RSA), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Cyril Chibwe (Unattached)
DEFENDERS
Frankie Musonda (Raith Rovers-Scotland), Tandi Mwape (TP Mazembe-DRC), Miguel Chaiwa (Athletico), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Shemmy Mayembe (Zesco United)
MIDFIELDERS
Roderick Kabwe (Sekhukhune-RSA), Enock Mwepu (Brighton-England), Emmanuel Banda (Djurgardens-Sweden), Kings Kangwa (Arsenal Tula-Russia), Rally Bwalya (Simba SC-Tanzania), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Lubambo Musonda (AC Horsens-Denmark), Kelvin Kampamba, Spencer Sautu, (both Zesco United), Lameck Banda (Maccabi Petah Tikva-Israel), Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland-Denmark)
STRIKERS
Fashion Sakala (Rangers-Scotland), Evans Kangwa (Arsenal Tula-Russia), Ricky Banda (Red Arrows), Gamphani Lungu (SuperSport United-RSA Patson Daka (Leicester City-England).