Zambia v Mozambique: Festus to partner Kalengo in attack

Festus Mbewe will this afternoon partner Winstone Kalengo in the Rwanda 2016 CHAN qualifier to be played at Levy Mwanawasa stadium in Ndola.

According to ZamFoot sources, Lwandamina will be going for an outright win in the game knowing that the Mamba’s will be banking on holding the Chipolopolo at home with a view of finishing off the tie in Mozambique. Chicken will stick to the striking partnership that helped Zambia overcome Namibia 2 – 1 in July with both Mbewe and Kalengo scoring a goal apiece,

ZamFoot crew also understands that Boyd Mkandawire and Benedict Chepeshi will will continue as wing backs though there are indications that Dauti Musekwa might get a nod ahead of one of the two lads who have received much criticism since being the starting spots for the Chipolopolo.

Lwandamina is spoilt for choice in the midfield and one would have expected Power Dynamos tough tackling midfielder and U23 Centre back Benson Sakala to be given his first start for Chipolopolo, but it seems Lwandamina want more mobility in the midfield with Red Arrows Paul Katema likely to play the defensive midfield role while Jack Chirwa will keep his role alongside Katema.

Buchizya Mfune who had a good game against Egypt also keeps his spot in the team and will partner Christopher Munthali with Jacob Banda in goal.

Teenage striker Conlyde Luchanga of Lusaka Dynamos may get his first international debut despite not having played for any of the junior teams after he impressed Lwandamina in training.

“He is doing well with Lusaka Dynamos and if he can replicate his club form he can perform wonders for the national team. He is one for the future,” Lwandamina said about Luchanga.

Mozambique coach said on arrival in Zambia that his team will content with a draw but Zambia will have to be weary of their scoring prowess after they overwhelmed Seychelles 9 – 1 over two legs in the preliminary round.

Zambia have never lost to Mozambique in 15 previous meetings dating back to 1989.

The second leg of this tie will be played on November 24. The winner over two legs will qualify for the final tournament of the 2016 African Nations Championship to be hosted by Rwanda in January.

Zambia squad:

Goalkeepers: Danny Munyao (Red Arrows),Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)

Defenders: Dauti Musekwa (Zesco United), Buchizya Mfune (Green Buffaloes), Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos), Boyd Mkandawire (Napsa Stars), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kapota Kayawe (Nkana), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors).

Midfielders: Salulani Phiri (Zanaco), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Benson Sakala (Power Dynamos), Paul Katema
(Red Arrows),Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Jacob Ngulube (Mufulira Wanderers), Kennedy Mudenda (Power Dynamos), Charles Zulu (Zanaco)

Fowards: Winston Kalengo (Zesco United), Friday Samu (Green Buffaloes), Conlyde Luchanga (Lusaka Dynamos), Festus Mbewe (Red Arrows)

Mozambiaque Squad

Goalkeepers: Nelson Logomale, Jose Guirrugo

Defenders: Fransisco Miocha, Norberto Norberto, Edmilson Dove, Cremildo Nhantumbo, Joao Mussica;

Midfielders: Renildo Mandava, Diogo Alberto, Ussama Mutumane, Momed Hagi, Luis Jose Miquissone, Gildo Vilanculos, Alanio Mafumo, Fransisco Nhamusse;

Forwards: Isac de Carvalho, Luis Parkim, Manuel Correia