Zambia’s President, Edgar Lungu (left) with President Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/File
NAIROBI, September 3- Zambian President Edgar Lungu, challenged the national football team and 2012 continental champions, Chipolopolo, to beat Kenya at Sunday’s AFCON qualifier and make the country proud.
According to Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) Lungu who is due to visit Kenya next week said victory in the second Group E clash “Will make the country happy.”
He added the team should shame critics by winning the game just like he did when he won the presidential election saying “he wants to be greeted with good news when he arrives in that country.”
“The team should die a little for the country saying football fans will travel to cheer them at a great cost,” ZNBC reported.
The Head of State also urged the Football Association of Zambia to work with the country’s Ministry of Sport to ensure a new Bus is bought for the national football team as he was presented with a Chipolopolo replica jersey and a ball.
After the shock of drawing their opening clash with minnows Guinea Bissau at home, Chipolopolo went to camp with head coach, George Lwandamina announcing a 23-man provisional squad for the qualifier against Kenya and international friendly match against Gabon two days later.
Lwandamina, who coaches local giants Zesco United, has not enlisted even a single foreign based player in his team that arrives Friday before conducting their first training session at the Nyayo National Stadium venue later in the day.
Stars of the victorious 2012 AFCON side such as France based defender, Stoppila Sunzu, Southampton FC striker, Emmanuel Mayuka and 2013 South African top flight champions, Mamelodi Sundowns stopper, Kennedy Mweene will not feature in the side.
Zambia are trying to wean the nation from the class of 2012 and Lwandamina sent his players to camp for the last two months to prepare for the Group E clash where all team dead level on a point apiece with Chipolopolo last after their goalless home draw was bettered by Kenya’s 1-1 away stalemate at Congo Brazzaville.
ZAMBIA’S SQUAD
Goalkeepers: Danny Munyao (Red Arrows), Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)
Defenders: Buchizya Mfune (Green Buffaloes), Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos), Boyd Mkandawire (Napsa Stars), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kapota Kayawe (Nkana), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors)
Midfielders: Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Walter Bwalya (Nkana), Jacob Ngulube (Mufulira Wanderers), Paul Katema (Red Arrows), Kelvin Mubanga (Power Dynamos), Shadreck Malambo (Red Arrows), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows)
Strikers: Patson Daka (Power Dynamos), Winston Kalengo (Zesco United), Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Jimmy Ndhlovu (Nkana)
-Material from ZNBC and SuperSport.com used to compile this report
