The Zambia National Team will this evening renew their rivalry with neighbours Malawi when the two face off in their opening match of the 2023 COSAFA Championship.
Chipolopolo assistant Coach Moses Sichone is in charge of the team at the tournament.
Sichone and his side will look to start the tournament with a positive result but Malawi are not a pushover.
The Flames have found it difficult to beat the Copper Bullets losing five of their last eight meetings winning once and forcing two draws.
Head coach Avram Grant who is in Germany with the Copper Queens is keeping an eye on the proceedings at the Cosafa as the tournament is being used as a preparatory tournament for the July month-end African Nations Championship (CHAN)qualifier.
Zambia aiming to win a record seventh COSAFA Cup title at their lucky home away from home in Durban where they have won their last two regional titles in 2019 and 2022.
Power Dynamos goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga is expected to start between the sticks having impressed in the Chipolopolo Boys 3-0 win over Ivory Coast at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Mulenga’s Power Dynamos teammate Aaron Katebe will join skipper Benedict Chepeshi, Nchanga Rangers defender Mathews Chabala, and Pride Mwansa in defence.
Kelvin Kapumbu, and Oliver Lumbiya are expected to protect the back four with last year’s player of the tournament Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba and Albert Kangwanda playing on the wings.
Joshua ‘Budo’ Mutale is expected to be deployed in the creative role with Andrew Phiri leading the attack.
Sichone also has options in Golden Mashata, John Kosamu, Patson Kwataime, Harry Milanzi Jnr, Fredrick Mulambia, Abraham Siankombo and Wisdom Libamba Moyela.
The defending Champions start their Hollywoodbets COSAFA Cup title defence this evening when they face off with the Flames of Malawi in a Group B clash at King Zwelithini Stadium in Durban at 18h00.
Zambia is in Group B and after this game, they face Comoros on Sunday and will conclude their group fixtures with a tie against Seychelles on Tuesday.
