👉 ZamFoot’s Probable XI revealed
Zambia take on Ivory Coast on Saturday in a crucial Group H African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Zambia coach Avram Grant is expected to tinker with his starting line up.
Toaster Nsabata will start in goal with Frankie Musonda also a definite starter in central defence.
Tandi or Sunzu
The ZamFoot Crew thinks Grant will bring the experienced Stopilla Sunzu to partner the Scotland based defender with Tandi Mwape dropping to the bench.
Fantasy – Sunzu reverts to midfield
The other option is to start with Sunzu in midfield.
The holding midfield role will not be new to the 33 year old even though he last played in that role in July 2009 at international level [ He still continued to feature in midfield for TP Mazembe post 2010 AFCON].
If this was to happen then the trio – Sunzu, Tandi and Frankie Musonda will all start.
One hiccup for the trio defenders is that they are all slow and that could be a danger if the Ivorians try to counter attack.
Reality – Kapumbu will definitely start as an anchorman
Kelvin Kapumbu lacks the intelligence and passing range to occupy this role but unfortunately he is the only ‘supposedly holding midfielder.’
In the past he has struggled in this position. Last year’s Cosafa Cup is prime example.
Full backs – M’kandawire, Mwansa threat
Grant is still looking for full backs as Benedict Chepeshi and Rodrick Kabwe are yet to convince.
Samson M’kandawire and Pride Mwansa were given a taste of being on the probable starting XI during Wednesday’s training session.
Can Grant surprise us with starting with either of one of them?
We doubt but strange things happen do happen in football.
Don’t get shocked if one of them is not even in the match day squad on Saturday.
Lubambo Musonda is also another option at full back.
Other defenders: Dominic Chanda, Golden Mafweta and Gift Mphande
ZamFoot’s Probable XI: Toaster Nsabata – Benedict Chepeshi, Stopilla Sunzu, Frankie Musonda, Rodrick Kabwe – Kelvin Kapumbu, Emmanuel Banda, Kings Kangwa – Lubambo Musonda/Lameck Banda, Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka
Question is ‘who will partner Sunzu?’
zambia 2 ivorycost1
Sunzu was very slow last time he featured .Think it was againrt Namibia with useless Sven.
This time around have ba mudala Grant and Fashion in attendance.
Strange though that ba mudala will call Sunzu ….
Must be the experience that he brings and x factor that the likes of Kampumbu lack.
Good luck gentlemen!!!!!