The Chipolopolo Boys will today face Burundi in their third 2027 AFCON PAMOJA qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina will be without a number of key players including midfield magician Klings Kangwa and striker Patson Daka.
The ZamFoot now looks at the starting XI of players who are out due to several reasons, especially injuries.
GK – Toaster Nsabata – The former ZANACO goalkeeper is fully fit but just used to balance the team after dropping from the National team set up.
Nsabata was one of the Chipolopolo regulars in the last 12 or so years since making his debut back in 2014 making over 40 appearances.
RB- Gamphani Lungu – Mr Jones has been in fine form for Orlando Pirates and even named club player of month for August.
However sadly for this game he will not be available after he sustained a right ankle sprain that could keep him out for between 14 and 21 days.
LB- Lubambo Musonda – The Germany based utility player continues his rehabilitation after surgery.
Musonda suffered a ruptured left Achilles tendon during training with his club, FC Magdeburg back in July.
CB- Jackson Phiri – The Konkola Blades defender was ruled out with an injury after being named in the provisional squad.
CB- Benson Sakala – Captain America recently returned from injury that saw him miss close to three months.
He has been back but has yet to play a full match for his Club Bohemians Praha since his return.
DMF- Owen Tembo – The Power Dynamos workhorse misses the first leg due to suspension after picking up two yellow cards in the opening two matchdays of the 2027 AFCON PAMOJA qualifiers.
CM- Joseph Liteta – The Italy based midfielder sat out of Thursday’s training with a knock hence he is a doubt.
CM-Klings Kangwa – The engine of the Chipolopolo Boys squad will miss this match as he completes his four match suspension.
The Greek based midfielder is back in the national fold after missing the opening two qualifiers due to the said suspension.
He is eligible for selection when the two sides meet again in Bujumbura on 17 November.
LW- Lameck Banda – The former US Lecce winger picked up a left hamstring injury while on club duty and is expected to spend at least two weeks on the sidelines,
RW- Kingston Mutandwa – The Switzerland-based forward sustained a knee injury while featuring for Servette FC in their league encounter against FC St. Gallen at the start of November.
Servette confirmed that Mutandwa will be sidelined for approximately eight weeks, with his return to competitive action anticipated in early 2027, subject to a positive recovery.
CF- Patson Daka – Chipolopolo Boys’ leading goalscorer among active players will also miss the match due to injury.
Daka sustained a right ankle injury during Hamburger SV’s 3-1 Bundesliga victory over Borussia Mönchengladbach on 6 November.
The ultrasound revealed he had a mild strain that will requirements about 7-10 days to recover.
Bench- Frankie Musonda, Benson Sakala, Akeem Mumba .
The Chipolopolo will today lock horns with Burundi in a crucial Matchday Three fixture of the 2027 Pamoja Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Kick-off is set for 15:00 hours.
