Chipolopolo’s quest for sixth COSAFA Championship title kicks off this afternoon
The Zambia national team’s quest for a sixth COSAFA Championship title kicks off this afternoon with a quarter final tie against Botswana.
The Zebras booked a place in the last eight after topping group A while the five time Champions were exempted from the first stage of the tournament.
Zambia and Botswana will lock horns at 17:00 hours at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban in what is a repeat of the 2019 final, also played in Durban, that Chipolopolo won 1-0 to claim their fifth title.
With Aljosa Asanovic and his European assistants facing VISA issues, Moses ‘Big Mo’ Sichone could be in charge of the team this afternoon.
2021/2022 Zambia Super League top goalscorer Ricky Banda is expected to lead the attack in what will be his first senior national team assignment.
Banda who netted 16 goals helping Red Arrows to their second Super League title has competition from ZESCO United young striker Enock Sakala Jnr and NAPSA Stars’ forward Jimmy Mukeya.
In midfield, Arrows’ Saddam Yusuf Phiri, Prince Mumba, Dickson Chapa and Kelvin Kapumbu are all available.
Power Dynamos trick midfielder Joshua ‘Budo’ Mutale, Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba and Spencer Sautu are expected to play a vital role in the Copper Bullets’ quest for glory.
In defense Kabwe Warriors’ kingpin Dominic Chanda is expected to partner either Allan Kapila or Warren Kunda at the heart of defense.
Shemmy Mayembe, Luka Chamanga, Benedict Chepeshi and Prosper Chiluya are also available for selection.
Cyril Mwenya Chibwe will battle it out with Lawrence Mulenga and Charles Kalumba for a place in goal.
While looking to win the tournament the technical bench also has an eye on refining its troops ahead of the July 24 African Nations Championship clash with Mozambique in Maputo.
Zambia last won the tournament back in 2019 under Green Eagles boss Aggrey Chiyangi with Lazarus Kambole, Bruce Musakanya, Sebastian Mwange, Austin Muwowo, and Tapson Kaseba as the key players.
FULL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Cyril Chibwe (Zesco United), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
(DEFENDERS)
Prosper Chiluya, Benedict Chepeshi, Allan Kapila (all Red Arrows), Shemmy Mayembe (Zesco United), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Dominic Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Warren Kunda (Green Eagles)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Kelvin Kapumbu (Zesco United), Luka Chamanga, Joshua Mutale (both Power Dynamos), Dickson Chapa (Napsa Stars), Albert Kangwanda, Saddam Phiri (both Red Arrows), Prince Mumba (Kabwe Warriors), Patrick Gondwe (Nkana), Kelvin Kampamba, Spencer Sautu (both Zesco United)
(STRIKERS)
Ricky Banda (Red Arrows), Jimmy Mukeya (Napsa Stars), Enock Sakala jnr (Zesco United).