ZAMBIA'S Chipolopolo new coach, Wedson has has excluded Christopher Katongo from his provisional 33-man squad for the build-up to the 2018 World Cup Group B qualifying match, against Nigeria on October 9 in Ndola.
NaijaSportsXtra.blogspot.com can report that the ex-Zambia captain, his brother Felix Katongo and their Green Buffaloes club mate and defender Buchizya Mfune, have not been called-up by Nyirenda.
Rather experienced striker, Collins Mbesuma, who missed Zambia’s final 2017 Africa Cup Group E qualifier against Kenya, on September 4 due to suspension, has been recalled.
Also back in the team is Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene and midfielder Chisamba Lungu of Russian club FC Ural, who were dropped for the Kenya match.
The long list has a total of nine foreign-based players, as Nyirenda has chosen to stick to the local Copper Bullets.
Goalkeepers: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Racha Kola (Zanaco)
Defenders: Lawrence Chungu, Billy Mutale (both Power Dynamos), Fackson Kapumbu, George Chilufya, Ziyo Tembo (all Zanaco), Simon Silwimba (Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Stopilla Sunzu (Lille, France), Donashano Malama (Nkana)
Midfielders: Roderick Kabwe, Charles Zulu (both Zanaco), Fwayo Tembo (Power Dynamos), Rainford Kalaba, Nathan Sinkala (both TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Cletus Chama, John Chingandu, Misheck Chaila, Mwape Mwelwa (all Zesco United), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural, Russia).
Strikers:Justin Shonga (Nkwazi), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Winston Kalengo (AC Leopards, Congo-Brazzaville), Lewis Macha (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Patson Daka (Power Dynamos), Collins Mbesuma (Highlands Park, South Africa).
