The Zambia National Team has been boosted with the arrival of five more foreign-based players, bringing the total to ten.
Avram Grant and his team, who regrouped on Monday afternoon, will expect a slew of last-minute foreign players today as they prepare to face Lesotho for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this Thursday.
Meanwhile, Rangers FC forward Fashion Sakala, Leicester City’s Patson Daka and Ayr United defender, Frankie Musonda were the latest to join camp yesterday including US Lecce FC winger Lameck Banda, and FK Viagem Prebramb’s Benson Sakala.
US-based and Inter Miami FC defender Aime Mabika has not yet joined the camp. This is due to the continued delay by the Zambian Authorities to issue him a Zambian passport.
The Zambian-born defender is now in doubt for this week’s AFCON qualifiers.
“There is no reason why we can’t perform well,”- Frankie
Meanwhile, Frankie Musonda expects a tough game against Lesotho but believes his team has what it takes to win.
He said the team has great players and an experienced coach who he is excited to work with.
“We have got a coach with lots of experience, especially on the international stage. And I am sure he knows what he is doing. I am excited to see him.
“The game against Lesotho is going to be tough, but we definitely have a great team and coaching staff. There is no reason why we can’t perform well,” said Musonda.
He added that the squad will use the home-ground advantage to achieve the desired result and that he is excited to play in front of the fans for the first time in Ndola.
“The first game being at home is a good opportunity for us to start well and I hope the fans can help us do that. I have never played in Ndola before, it will be exciting to play in a new stadium and in front of fans I have not played before.”
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Frankie also revealed that, following a long injury that kept him out for two months, he has been working hard to regain his fitness in preparation for the AFCON qualifiers.
“I missed the last camp (due to injury) and definitely had this camp in mind. I really wanted to be back, so I really worked hard to be back for this camp and also my club.”
Zambia hosts the Likuena for the first time in 10 years in a competitive match this Thursday.
Since winning the 2012 AFCON, Chipolopolo have struggled to find their winning ways on the continent.
Their last participation at AFCON was in 2015 when they were knocked out in the group stage.
