MUKWIMA CHILALA writes
@SunZambian
THE inform trio of Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu and Fashion Sakala will yet again carry the hopes of the nation on their shoulders as they lead the striking force in this evening’s under-23 AfCON qualifier against Congo Brazzaville to played at the National Heroes stadium.
Zambia and Congo Brazzaville will be competing for a place at this year’s under-23 AfCON to be held in Egypt in November where the winner over two legs qualifies to the competition.
Coach Beston Chambeshi has named a strong side ahead of this match which includes a core number of his 2017 under-20 AfCON winning squad with a few new inclusions.
Chambeshi summoned seven foreign-based players which will see the experienced Chipolopolo trio of Mwepu, Daka and Sakala leading the front line as the team aims for more goals on home ground.
The trio will be a trump card in Chambeshi’s team as they will be expected to apply their wealth of experience playing for top European teams having also become key members of the senior national team attacking system to which they had been involved in all Zambia’s AfCON qualifiers in the last two years.
Other foreign-based players in Chambeshi’s team include Russian- based duo of Klings Kangwa and Lamech Banda as well as Emmanuel Banda who plays for Belgian side Ostende.
Also in the team is under -20 England-based striker Mwiya Malumo who is expected to make a debut in the under-23 squad while South Africa-based duo Ghampani Lungu and Bradley Mweene completes the list of foreign based stars.
Chambeshi’s nemesis Jean Ngoya said he was worried of a highly fancied Zambia side but was quick to mention that his team would contain the former under-20 champions by playing its own game.
Zambia plays the first game at home this evening while the second leg will be played in Pointe Noire on September 8 with the winner over two legs expected to qualify to the tournament to be held in Egypt.
The top three teams from the AfCON under-23 tournament will qualify to the 2020 Olympics to be played in Japan.
