The 2023 AFCON hosts, Ivory Coast, will pay a visit to the Chipolopolo for a blockbuster encounter at the Levy Mwanawasa stadium this afternoon.
The Copper Bullets could finally end their 8-year wait for AFCON qualification should they avoid a defeat against the Elephants. It’s set to be a mouth-watering clash between the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finalists, with several top-class players set to take to the field.
Bolanews presents the combined XI for the 2023 AFCON qualification match between Zambia and Ivory Coast.
GOALKEEPER
Ali Sangaré: The South African-based shot-stopper is set to stand in between the sticks against Zambia’s explosive attack. Sangaré gets the nod in our XI ahead of former teammate Toaster Nsabata, as he did at Shekhukhune United FC.
DEFENDERS
Serge Aurier: The Cote d’Ivoire skipper will be squaring up against the in-form Fashion Sakala on the left flank. This battle will be an interesting one to watch, with both stars familiar with fast-paced football having played in Britain.
Stoppila Sunzu: The prospect of Sunzu vs. Ivory Coast only brings back the iconic memories of the 33-year-old’s AFCON-winning penalty in 2012. Avram Grant is guaranteed experience and composure at the back if he starts the Chipolopolo legend.
Eric Bailey: Bailey is a very tough nut to crack once he gets into beast mode. The center-back often puts his body on the line with crunch tackles, clearances, blocks, and interceptions to keep strikers abait.
Frankie Musonda: Despite only making seven appearances for the Zambian national team, Frankie Musonda is already one of the team’s most important players. The combination of his defensive prowess and passing ability is something that every manager yearns for in a center-back.
MIDFIELDERS
Franck Kessie: Fresh from being crowned La Liga champion, Kessie is set to pull the strings in midfield for the Elephants. The Chipolopolo midfield needs to limit his time on the ball if they want to control possession in the middle of the park.
Kings Kangwa: Kangwa’s ability to pass the ball, maneuver past opposition players, and find the back of the net is something the hosts can build their game upon. It was the midfielder’s match-winning goal against the Comoros Islands last year that got Zambia’s campaign up and running.
FORWARDS
Lameck Banda: No African player completed more dribbles (48) than the tricky winger in the just-ended Italian Serie A season. His flamboyant and mesmerizing play always keeps fans on the edge of their seats.
Fashion Sakala: The Cote d’Ivoire do not only have Lameck Banda to worry about on Zambia’s wing. Sakala is enjoying the best football of his life right now. He scored 12 goals in all competitions for Scottish giants Rangers FC.
READ MORE:Zambia Vs Ivory Coast preview, prediction, odds & betting tip
Max Gradel: In the absence of Wilfred Zaha and Sebastian Haller, Max Gradel will play talisman for Ivory Coast. It will be a very busy afternoon for the Chipolopolo defense should the Ivorian star take his A-game to Ndola.
Patson Daka: Daka will be aiming to replicate his two-goal performance against Lesotho as he leads the front line against Ivory Coast. All three of his goals in the qualifiers came away from home. Hence, it is only inevitable that the striker is hungry to get a goal in front of his home fans.
