The Chipolopolo Boys will take on the Eagles of Mali in the first of two international friendly matches set for this FIFA window.
The Copper Bullets have struggled with their run up to the match first the head coach Aljosa Asanovic will not be on the touchline as he is yet to report for work.
Meanwhile Lameck Banda and Lubambo Musonda were knocked out of the two matches by injuries early this week.
Skipper Enock Mwepu and striker Patson Daka have also been ruled out due to medical reasons giving assistant coach Moses Sichone who is in charge of this match a headache ahead of tonight.
Their opponents on the other hand have called a strong squad with Tottenham Hotspur’s Yves Bissouma, RB Leipzig’s Amadou Haidara and Southampton’s Moussa Djenepo all making the cut
Coach Éric Sékou Chelle is expected to line up a strong starting eleven against the Copper Bullets this evening at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako.
Malmö goalminder Ismael Diawara is expected to start in goal ahead of Mounkoro and Djigui Diawara.
In defense Amadou Dante, Mamadou Fofana,Kiki Kouyate and Hamari Traore are expected to make up the back four.
Redbull Salzburg workhorse Mohamed Camara is expected to partner former Salzburg man Daddier Semassekou in the defensive midfield role.
Tottenham man Yves Bissouma has three goals for the national team and the 26-year-old should handle business in the attacking midfield role.
Amadou Haidara is expected to start on the right side of midfield while Southampton forward Moussa Djenepo could start ahead of Kamory Doumbia on the left.
Almeria’s El Bilal Touré could lead the attack ahead of Sékou Koita.
Zambia and the Eagles of Mali will square off on Friday at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako at 19:00 hours GMT (21H00 CAT).
Zambia will again play Mali on Monday, September 26th in the second A grade FIFA international friendly match.
The Chipolopolo are using the matches as part of preparation for the Ivory Coast 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers that will take place next year in March.
Predicted Mali line up: Diawara; Dante, Fofana, K Kouyate, H Traore; M Camara, Samassekou; M. Djenepo, Bissouma, A Haidara; Toure
