2012 AFCON winner Stopila Sunzu is facing a late fitness test to ascertain his availability for today’s international friendly match.
Sunzu suffered a mild concussion in the Chipolopolo Boys’ narrow 1-0 loss to Egypt on Thursday.
The China based defender made a strong defensive partnership with Dominic Chanda at the heart of the Zambia defence.
Sunzu and Chanda are expected to continue but should the former Metz FC man not be available Grant has options on the bench.
He can look to either Israel based youngster Gift Mphande or NAPSA Stars man Luka Banda.
Mphande has featured for both the Zambia U-20 and U-23 National Teams already.
He was also part of the Zambia Under-20 at the CAF U20 African Cup of Nations earlier this year.
Mphande was also an unused substitute during Zambia’s African Cup of Nations qualifier against Ivory Coast.
Banda is the more experienced of the two having made 9 appearances for the Chipolopolo Boys including 3 AFCON qualifiers.
Chanda was so impressive on Thursday hence it’s no surprise the majority of the Zambian fans expect him to start again today.
Benedict Chepeshi is poised to continue at right back with Roderick Kabwe at left back.
Zephaniah Phiri and John Chishimba are also available for selection and provide Avram Grant with an alternative.
Uganda is using the match to prepare ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers that begin next month.
The Cranes are in Group G alongside Algeria, Guinea, Mozambique, Botswana and Somalia. They will start their campaign with two clashes in Guinea and Somalia.
Zambia is also preparing for the World Cup qualifiers against Congo and Niger. The Chipolopolo Boys are in Pool E with the two nations, Morocco, Tanzania, Niger and Eritrea.
Besides, they will use the match to fine-tune for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Group F fixtures against DR Congo, Morocco and Tanzania.
