Zambia recall stars for Warriors clash

Sport
WOUNDED Zambia have reportedly recalled the talented duo of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu to the senior national team ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe, as they look to get their qualifying campaign back on track after the humiliating defeat 5-0 to Algeria last week.

BY SPORTS REPORTER

WOUNDED Zambia have reportedly recalled the talented duo of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu to the senior national team ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Zimbabwe, as they look to get their qualifying campaign back on track after the humiliating defeat 5-0 to Algeria last week.

The two Southern African neighbours meet on Tuesday (kickoff 6pm) at the National Heroes Stadium, looking to revive their campaigns after a poor start to the qualifiers for 2021 Afcon finals in Cameroon.

Zambia suffered a humiliating 5-0 defeat against the African champions in Blida on Thursday before Zimbabwe themselves played out a disappointing goalless draw against Botswana at the National Sports Stadium in Harare on Friday night.

According to reports from Zambia yesterday, in a desperate attempt to salvage some pride following the humiliation in Algeria, Zambia have moved swiftly to rope in the Red Bull Salzburg duo to help the senior team get their campaign for a spot at the 2021 Afcon finals back on track.

The youthful duo, were part of Zambia’s Under-23 team, which bowed out of the ongoing Afcon Under-23 in Egypt following a 1-0 defeat to Ivory Coast on Friday.

The Zambian football website, ZamFoot, citing sources claimed that arrangements were already in place to have the duo join the Chipolopolo players, who were expected to arrive in Lusaka last night from Algeria.

The presence of Daka in the Chipolopolo side could provide another stumbling block for the Warriors’ quest to collect maximum against the Zambians. Zimbabwe face tough back to back matches against African champions Algeria when the qualifiers resume in August next year.

Daka (21) has caught the eye with his sparkling performances for his club Red Bull Salzburg, who are in the same group as Liverpool, Napoli and Genk in the ongoing group stages of the Uefa Champions League.

The prodigious Zambia striker is currently topping the goal scorers’ chart in the Austrian topflight league with a total of 12 league goals and 14 in all competitions this season.

Zambia squad

Goalkeepers: Sebastian Mwange (Green Eagles, Zambia), Mwenya Chibwe (Polokwane City, South Africa), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco, Zambia). Defenders: Lawrence Chungu (Zanaco, Zambia), Stophila Sunzu (FC Metz, France), Clement Mwape (Zesco United, Zambia), Tandi Mwape, Kabaso Chongo (both TP Mazembe, DRC), Isaac Shamujompa (Buildcon, Zambia). Midfielders: Rally Bwalya (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe, DRC), Kelvin Kampamba (Nkana, Zambia), Salulani Phiri (Polokwane City, South Africa), Donashano Malama (Black Leopards, South Africa), Clatous Chama (Simba Sports, Tanzania), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows, Zambia), Enock Mwepu (Red Bull Salzburg) Strikers: Evans Kangwa (Arsenal Tula, Russia), Mwape Musonda (Black Leopards, South Africa), Lazarous Kambole (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Justin Shonga, Augustine Mulenga (both Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Patson Daka (Red Bull Salzburg).