Many are called but very few are chosen as Chipolopolo assistant coach Moses Sichone names his provisional COSAFA squad.
The 30-member squad consists of the “creme de la creme” of local football with notable names also missing out.
Shonga is one of the notable players that have been left out. Despite being a stand-out performer at Nkwazi last season where he scored 17 goals, he has not made the cut.
Sichone, delivered a humdinger when his men won the title at the 25th edition of the regional championship.
The squad has new faces with rising star Emmanuel Mwanza getting the nod. The Kafue Celtics forward announced himself to the national team with dazzling performances at the under-17 2023 AFCON.
The team will enter camp on Monday in Lusaka as they set their sights on defending the title.
The Cosafa will also be used as a preparatory tournament for the July month-end African Nations Championship qualifier.
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Zambia is in Group B and will start off its campaign against neighbors Malawi on July 6 before facing Comoros three days later.
Their last group game will be against Seychelles on July 11 at the Princess Magogo Stadium.
Full Squad
(GOALKEEPERS)
Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers), Francis Mwansa (Trident)
(DEFENDERS)
Aaron Katebe (Power Dynamos), Samson Mkandawire, John Chsihimba (both Zesco United), Dominic Chanda, Killian Kanguluma (both Kabwe Warriors), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Pride Mwansa (Nkwazi), Gift Mphande (Athletico Lusaka), Mathews Chabala (Nchanga Rangers)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Kelvin Kampamba, Chanda Mukuka, Kelvin Kapumbu (all Zesco United), Joshua Mutale, Frederick Mulambia (both Power Dynamos), Abraham Siankombo (Zanaco), Francis Zulu (Prison Leopards), Patson Kwataine (Mufulira Wanderers), Oliver Lumbiya (Nkana), Moyela Libamba (Forest Rangers), John Kosamu, Jack Chirwa (both Green Buffaloes),
(STRIKERS)
Andrew Phiri (MUZA FC), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Harry Milanzi Junior (Green Buffaloes), Emmanuel Mwanza (Kafue Celtic), Kingstone Mutandwa (Athletico Lusaka).
