Zambia off UK Covid-19 red list as Chipolopolo get a boost

Chipolopolo coach Beston ‘Quicksilver’ Chambeshi got a boast as the UK lifted travel restrictions on 47 countries including Zambia.

On a day of little joy where poor officiating and a lethargic display left Zambia‘s qualification to Qatar 2022 in a comatose state after losing 2-0 to Equatorial Guinea in Malabo, there was a glimmer of hope with the UK lifting COVID 19 restrictions on Zambia meaning Britain based Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala are free to travel to Lusaka to face off against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

Initially, Daka and Sakala we set to miss the Heroes Stadium clash due to quarantine rules on return to the UK as the duo could not take advantage of the conditional lift that was granted to FIFA by the English authorities that required players traveling to red-listed countries to be fully vaccinated.

It is understood the duo are not fully vaccinated.

While the hopes of qualifying to the World Cup may be in limbo, a convincing win in Lusaka for Chipolopolo could put wind in the sails of resuscitation.

British High Commissioner to Zambia Nicholas Whooley confirmed the development on social on Thursday night.

“Pleased to confirm that Zambia off UK red list from Mon 4am 11 Oct,” High Commissioner Whooley tweeted.

“I know how difficult the last 10 months were for those who depend on the Zambia – UK links.