The name ‘Stoppila Sunzu’ resonates with heroics from 2012 that crowned Zambia as African champions for the first time ever.

Tasked with the responsibility of dispatching the most important spot-kick in the history of the nation, the Jinan Xingzhou player did not disappoint. He scored Zambia’s AFCON-winning goal in Gabon.

However, the mercurial centre-half is called back to the Chipolopolo armour. He is tipped to inspire yet another run to glory for the national team.

The 33-year-old has a lot of experience in the national team setup, having earned his first cap in 2008. Should he report for camp, he stands out as an ideal candidate to also take over the armband.

Sunzu’s experience at the back could be very vital in laying the foundation for the younger center-backs like Frankie Musonda.

This, however, could only prove fruitful if the Chinese-based defender can honour his call-up. His allegiance to Chipolopolo over the years has raised many question marks from fans.

Will Sunzu honor his call-up for the Ivory Coast?

There are doubts among some fans who believe Sunzu may not report for camp again. This, of course, could be due to travel restrictions in China.

He last played for Zambia in a 2021 Cameroon Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Algeria in Blida.

Earlier last year, Sunzu was unable to honor another national team call-up, for a friendly encounter against Israel. The player again cited Covid-19 travel restrictions in China.

He was recalled again for the game against the Comoros Islands on June 7, 2022, in which Zambia won 2-1 in Lusaka, but he failed to report to camp and gave the same reason.

With all said and done, the Chipolopolo icon remains one of the most revered figures in the history of the game.

Fans will be excited to see him marshal the Copper Bullets defense alongside new boys Frankie Musonda and Aime Mabika, whose naturalization has also been delayed despite being named in the squad twice in a row.

READ ALSO: Chipolopolo squad to face Ivory Coast in AFCON qualifier

The Chipolopolo faithful believe Grant’s current backline could not only propel them to AFCON glory but also inspire them to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament.

Zambia will host Ivory Coast at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium in a match that would seal their qualification.

They are a point away from qualifying for the Africa Cup for the first time since 2015.