2012 AFCON winner Stopila Sunzu is expected to be at the heart of defence this evening as Chipolopolo take on the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Sunzu who has made over 75 appearances for Zambia is the most experienced player in the team.
Facing players like Mohamed Salah, Sunzu’s experience will be key to keeping the Egyptian Messi quiet in the United Arab Emirates later today.
But with Frankie Chisenga Musonda out nursing an injury, Avram Grant will have to try a different partnership this evening.
Tandi Mwape is also not available hence the battle is between Power Dynamos man Dominic Chanda, Israel based youngster Gift Mphande and Luka Banda of NAPSA Stars.
Chanda is likely to get the node ahead of Mphande and Banda.
At left back Iraq based Roderick Kabwe is expected to start ahead of John Chishimba.
The former Zanaco and Kabwe Warriors man has made the position his own in the recent past.
At right back Red Arrows captain Benedict Chepeshi is likely to continue having had a good game against Comoros in the AFCON qualifier.
Chepeshi set up Leicester City forward Patson Daka for the only goal of the game in Moroni last month.
Prison Leopards Zephaniah Phiri is also available for selection.
Zambia and Egypt will square off this evening for the first time since 2015 at the Hazza Bin Zayed Stadium in the United Arab Emirates.
Kickoff for the match will be at 20:00 hours local time (18:00 hours Zambian time.
