The Zambia national football team has announced its squad for Tuesday’s international friendly against Russia in Moscow, with several key players missing from the 19-man roster.
The squad, released by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), will be without Patson Daka, Stopilla Sunzu, Lubambo Musonda, Obino Chisala, Kelvin Kampamba, Frankie Musonda, and Lameck Banda.
In an interview, FAZ Secretary General Reuben Kamanga explained the reasons behind the absences. “There are a number of reasons. Lameck Banda is recovering from an injury, and his club requested that he be left out to avoid any further setbacks. They want him fully fit for future assignments, as he hasn’t been playing for a while,” Kamanga said.
“Regarding Patson Daka, his club has asked for his excuse during the international break to facilitate the renewal of his work permit. His current permit has expired, and the club needs his presence to complete the process with government authorities. The international break was the only time they could handle the paperwork,” he added.
Musonda has misplaced his passport- Kamanga
Kamanga also clarified the situation with Frankie Musonda, stating that the player misplaced his Zambian passport, which prevented him from joining the squad.
“For Frank, we understand from the team manager that he misplaced his Zambian passport and is unable to join the team,” Kamanga said.
Despite these absences, Kamanga emphasized that the core of the team remains intact, with coach Avram Grant looking to evaluate new options ahead of upcoming World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations later this year.
“We are excited; we’re looking forward to this friendly. The team will be leaving as I speak to you. The team are probably airborne already, leaving for Russia through Addis Ababa, and all we can do is wish them a safe passage up to the time they arrive in Moscow,” he said.
This will mark only the second encounter between Zambia and Russia. Their first meeting took place on July 31, 1980, during the Moscow Olympics, where Zambia lost 3-1 to the Soviet Union. Godfrey Chitalu scored Zambia’s sole goal in that match
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