With the Chipolopolo having successfully booked a ticket to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) during the just-concluded international window, several Zambian stars were back in action for their clubs at the weekend.
Having recuperated from a chilling facial injury that saw him receive 18 stitches, Fashion Sakala Jr. took to the field for Al Fayha for the first time since late October. The Copper Bullets striker started and played the full 90 minutes against Al Ahli, who secured a 1-0 victory through a Riyad Mahrez penalty.
The news only gets better for the Zambian faithful, who welcomed Patson Daka back from a long-term ankle injury as he featured for Leicester City in their 2-1 defeat to Chelsea FC. He replaced Jamie Vardy in the 79th minute, making his first appearance since the Foxes’ final preseason game against RC Lens in August.
Mwape Musonda scores again in South Africa, Cyril Chibwe starts
Chipolopolo goalkeeper Cyril Chibwe chalked up his 8th start for second-tier side Black Leopards, while former international Mwape Musonda netted his third league goal from five starts.
Elsewhere on the continent, Joshua Mutale missed Simba SC’s 1-0 win against Pamba in the NBC Premier League due to injury. Meanwhile, former ZESCO United striker Enock Sakala Jr. still awaits his debut for Egyptian Premier League side Modern Sport FC, who recorded a goalless stalemate against ZED FC.
Frankie Musonda, Benson Sakala back in action at the weekend
Frankie Musonda and Benson Sakala were late substitutes for Ayr United and Mlada Boleslav in Scotland and the Czech Republic, respectively.
Peter Chikola came on in the 74th minute for Cadiz B in their 3-0 loss to Recreativo Granada while Francisco Mwepu was an unused substitute for the first team in La Liga Hypermotion.
For the fifth game running, Cagliari Calcio did not field Kingston Mutandwa, despite featuring on the bench. Meanwhile, Joseph Liteta started for Cagliari U20, who drew 1-1 with Atalanta U20.
Lubambo, Chaiwa continue to recover from injury
Chipolopolo skipper Lubambo Musonda did not feature for 1. FC Magdeburg in their 1-0 victory at Regensburg due to injury. Miguel Changa Chaiwa continues to prepare for his scheduled return next year as he nurses a foot injury.
Zambian prodigy Joseph Sabobo Banda was not named in FC Zurich’s squad for their Swiss Super League encounter against Lugano.
READ MORE: FAZ expects Wada Wada to deliver CHAN qualification for Zambia
