Mwepu, Daka, and Fashion start as Asanovic names a strong squad to face the Elephants

Leicester City forward Patson Daka will lead the attack as the Chipolopolo Boys start their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

The Copper Bullets are away to Ivory Coast in their opening game of the AFCON qualifiers.

Daka was the joint top goalscorer with Nigerian forward Victor Osimhen in the 2021 qualifiers with five goals despite playing just four of the six games.

Rangers FC winger Fashion Sakala Jnr and Lameck Banda will support Daka from the wings.

Aljosa Asanovic has gone for a midfield trio of Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu who is the captain of the side alongside Klings Kangwa and Prince Mumba.

Frankie Chisenga Musonda, Tandi Mwape, Lubambo Musonda and Rodrick Kabwe make up the back four as Toaster Nsabata starts between the sticks.

The Chipolopolo Boys will take on the elephants at the 20, 000 capacity Stade Yamoussoukro in their first 2023 AFCON qualifier.

Kickoff is at 19:00 hours local time (21H00 CAT).

Zambia Starting XI: Toaster Nsabata, Lubambo Musonda, Rodrick Kabwe, Tandi Mwape, Frankie Chisenga Musonda, Klings Kangwa, Enock Mwepu (C) , Prince Mumba, Lameck Banda, Fashion Sakala Jnr, Patson Daka.