Image Copyright: FAZ Media
In a symbolic departure towards their aspirations, the Zambia senior men's Football National Team embarked on their journey to Saudi Arabia yesterday evening, marking the commencement of their
AFCON international camp. Jeddah will serve as their base, where they are slated to engage in two international friendly matches as part of the preparatory tournament leading up to the AFCON kickoff on January 13 in Ivory Coast.
Zambia finds itself in Group F, alongside football powerhouses Morocco, Tanzania, and Congo DR. Their first group-stage challenge awaits them on January 17th against Congo.
Head Coach Avram Grant finalized his selection, assembling a squad of 27 players. Notably, Stopilla Sunzu, the scorer of the winning penalty in the 2012 AFCON, stands as the sole representative from that victorious squad.
Breaking down the squad composition, it comprises three goalkeepers, nine defenders, eleven midfielders, and four strikers. This diverse lineup showcases the depth and versatility that the team brings to the upcoming competition.
Image Copyright: FAZ Media
Kennedy Musonda, a debutant at this year's AFCON, shared his thoughts before the team's departure at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. He expressed his happiness at being part of the final squad, acknowledging the intense competition during the local camp.
"I am happy to be part of the final squad. During the local camp, it was a good experience; everybody trained well. It was nerve-wracking because we couldn't tell who is going to be picked and dropped. Even those that did not get picked did their best; it is just that only 27 players were needed," Musonda remarked.
He emphasized the team's fearlessness and readiness to compete, articulating their collective determination to represent their nation with pride. Musonda highlighted the significance of the ten-day training stint in Saudi Arabia, emphasizing its role in fostering team cohesion.
FULL SQUAD:
GOALKEEPERS:
- Toaster Nsabata (Zesco United)
- Francis Mwansa (Green Buffaloes)
- Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
DEFENDERS:
- Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows)
- Stoppilla Sunzu (Jinan Xingzhou-China)
- Roderick Kabwe (Zakho Sports Club-Iraq)
- Tandi Mwape (TP Mazembe-Congo)
- Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
- Frankie Musonda (Ayr United-Scotland)
- Gift Mphande (Hapoel Rishon Lezion-Israel)
- Zephaniah Phiri (Prison Leopards)
MIDFIELDERS:
- Emmanuel Banda (HNK Rijeka-Croatia)
- Lubambo Musonda (Silkeborg-Denmark)
- Kelvin Kapumbu, Kelvin Mubanga (both Zesco United)
- Edward Chilufya (Hacken-Sweden)
- Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos)
- Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech Republic)
- Miguel Chaiwa (BSC Young Boys-Switzerland)
- Benson Sakala (FK Mlada-Czech Republic)
- Rally Bwalya (Sekhukhune-RSA)
- Kings Kangwa (Crzvena Zvezda-Serbia)
- Clatous Chama (Simba-Tanzania)
STRIKERS:
- Patson Daka (Leicester-England)
- Kennedy Musonda (Young Africans-Tanzania)
- Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia)
- Lameck Banda (Lecce-Italy)
As the squad boasts a significant number of debutants, the anticipation for their maiden AFCON journey heightens, with hopes for a triumphant campaign echoing across Zambia.
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