Orlando Pirates forward Gamphani Lungu is expected to join the Zambia squad in Tizi Ouzou later on Monday as preparations continue for Friday’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Pamoja qualifier against Algeria.
Lungu returns to the Chipolopolo setup for the first time in two years after being named in coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina’s 27-man squad.
The 27-year-old has been in impressive form for South African side Orlando Pirates this season, scoring four goals and providing an assist in six appearances across all competitions.
Meanwhile, Zambia’s preparations have been boosted by the arrival of a half-dozen players, led by Hamburger SV striker Patson Daka, Hibernian midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and Swiss-based forward Kingston Mutandwa.
Midfielder Joseph Liteta, central defender Ricky Chanda and right-back Mathews Banda have also joined the squad, with the six players arriving in camp on Sunday night.
Lameck Banda, Fashion Sakala, David Hamansenya and Obino Chisala were among the first contingent to arrive in Algeria on Sunday morning, while David Simukonda and Pascal Phiri arrived on Saturday.
Albert Kangwanda joined the squad shortly after the first contingent.
The initial group landed at Houari Boumediene International Airport at 07:25 before making the approximately 100-kilometre journey to Tizi Ouzou, where Zambia have established their training base.
The Chipolopolo held their first training session on Sunday afternoon as preparations intensified for their Group I opener.
Zambia will face Algeria on Friday before returning home to host Togo in Ndola on 29 September in their second AFCON 2027 qualifying fixture.
