Zambia has submitted in the official 23-member team for the 2016 African Nations Championship (Chan) tournament.
Veterans from the 2012 Africa Cup winning team, Christopher Katongo (Green Buffaloes) and Zanaco’s Isaac Chansa from Zanaco will provide the crucial balance between the experienced and the youth.
Left behind:
Head coach, George Lwandamina omitted Zanaco goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata including defenders Benedict Chepeshi and Boyd Mkandawire of Red Arrows and Napsa Stars respectively.
Whereas Kasango and Chansa alongside 21 players will be making their debuts at the CHAN tourney, Zesco duo of goalkeeper Jacob Banda and defender George Chilfya will make their second CHAN tournament .
Zambia finished third at the inaugural event hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in 2009.
Uganda Opponents:
Zambia are in Group D at the Rwanda tournament that will run from January 16 to February 7 alongside Mali, Uganda and Zimbabwe.
Kasango will skipper the Zambians in Rwanda.
Full 23 Man Zambian Team:
Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Racha Kola (Zanaco), Lawrence Mulenga (Kabwe Warriors)
Defenders: Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos), George Chilufya (Zanaco), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Buchizya Mfune, Adrian Chgama, Stephen Kabamba (all Green Buffaloes), Dauti Musekwa (Zesco United), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors)
Midfielders: Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Mwape Mwelwa, Cletus Chota (both Zesco United), Spencer Sautu, Mwila Phiri (both Green Eagles), Salulani Phiri, Isaac Chansa (both Zanaco), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes)
Strikers: Conlyde Luchanga, Patson Daka (both Power Dynamos), Adamson Mulao (Green Eagles), Christopher Katongo (Green Buffaloes)