Zambian striker Justin Shonga has stated that he is ready to represent his country again ahead of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which will be held in Ivory Coast next year.

The 26-year-old, who recently joined Georgian side FC Gagra from Nkwazi FC, is working to regain his spot in the Chipolopolo squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

In an exclusive interview with BolaNews, Shonga said returning to the Chipolopolo squad is a top priority.

He added that currently, his focus is on securing game time at his new club.

“My target is to get as much game time as I can, especially being in the starting eleven,” he revealed.

On Monday, Shonga was a second-half substitute for FC Gagra, who lost 6-1 to Dinamo Tbilisi in the Erovnuli Liga.

Shonga eyeing dream AFCON

The former Orlando Pirates forward is Zambia’s active player with the most international goals. He scored 16 goals in 33 games for the Chipolopolo Boys.

He was last called up to the national team in 2021 for the COSAFA Cup, where he broke Collins Mbesuma’s five-goal record as Zambia’s all-time scorer with three goals, bringing his total to six in that competition.

When asked if he wants to be part of the AFCON-bound Chipolopolo squad, Shonga said it is his dream.

“It’s a big Yes,” he responded. “That’s every African footballer’s dream to take part or play at the biggest stage, which is the AFCON tournament, and to represent Zambia again.”

Shonga has so far scored three goals in the two friendly matches for his club. 

Last season, he was directly involved in 17 goals at Nkwazi. In 20 appearances, he scored 10 goals and provided 7 assists to help the Zambia police-sponsored side avoid relegation.