. Chisamba

By SANDRA MWILA –
COACH Wedson Nyirenda has dropped midfielder Chisamba Lungu and recalled striker Lewis Macha for Zambia’s dead rubber Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier against Cameroon to be played next weekend in Ndola.
Chisamba is the only big name missing on Nyirenda’s 28-member provisional team released in Lusaka yesterday by Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) communication manager Desmond Katongo.
Nyirenda has, however, maintained core of the players have played in the last three World Cup qualifiers against Algeria and Nigeria.
Zambia beat Algeria 3-1 in Lusaka before grinding a 1-0 away win in Constantine before losing the last fixture 1-0 to Nigeria to miss out of qualifying for a maiden World Cup appearance.
Macha, who called for the opening Group B fixture against Nigeria in Ndola which he missed due to an injury, is the only new inclusion in the team.
The South African based striker, who plays for Baroka FC, has so far scored two goals in his five starts and one of the goals was against former side, Kaizer Chiefs.
According to the list, Nyirenda has also kept faith in striker Brain Mwila, who missed the Nigeria match in Uyo due to an injury sustained after netting a brace in the match against Algeria.
Nyirenda has left the door open for Under 20 striker Edward Chilufya, who has so far missed two national team calls up’s due to Visa complications, in the team that regroups on Sunday.
Nigeria, who already sealed a World Cup place, top the group with 13 points followed by Zambia on seven, one better than Cameroon while Algeria is bottom on one point.
Full team has Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns-RSA), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco) and Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos).
Defenders: Donashano Malama, Boston Muchindu, Moses Nyondo (Nkana), Simon Silwimba (Zesco), Fackson Kapumbu, Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Power), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes) and Stopilla Sunzu (Arsenal Tula FC – Russia).
Midfielders: Rodrick Kabwe (Ajax Cape town FC – RSA), Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila, John Chingandu (Zesco), Emmanuel Banda (Ostende FC – Belgium), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Fashion Sakala (Spartak Moscow – Russia), Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco), Edward Chilufya (Djurgadens FC) and Enock Mwepu (Red bull Salzburg FC – Austria).
Striker: Patson Daka (Red bull Salzburg FC – Austria), Brian Mwila (Platinum Stars FC – South Africa), Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates FC – RSA), Lameck Banda (Nkwazi FC), Alex N’gonga (Power Dynamos), Lewis Macha (Striker Baroka-South Africa)