By GWEN CHIPASULA –

COACH Fighton Simukonda has rallied his troops ahead of this weekend’s All Africa Games (AAG) final round qualifier against Nigeria to be staged at National Heroes Stadium.
The under-23 squad comprising locally based players regrouped in Lusaka yesterday after the Easter break to continue preparations for the must-win clash with the Zesco United contingent expected tomorrow.
The professional quartet of Ronald ‘Sate Sate’ Kampamba of Wadi Degla in Egypt, South Africa-based midfielder Mukuka Mulenga and the Israel’s Hapoel Ra’anana pair of Evans Kangwa and Emmanuel Mbola, are expected to join camp in time for the game.
Zambia will need an outright victory to qualify for the All Africa Games after holding Nigeria 0-0 in the first leg encounter played in Abuja a fortnight ago.
Simukonda expressed happiness at the clean bill of health for the players, who were involved in games at their respective clubs.
“Not all of them (players) are here yet but none of them called me to say they are injured so it is a good thing. Nothing will be disturbed,” Simukonda said.
The full squad has goalkeepers Toaster Nsabata and Kenny Muma, defenders Chishimba Changala, Kayawe Kapota, Boyd Mkandawire, Billy Mutale, Salulani Phiri, Mbola and Benedict Chepeshi.
Midfielders are Shaderick Malambo, John Ching’andu, Julius Situmbeko, Nsofwa Mwansa, Bernard Mapili, Larry Bwalya, Charles Zulu, Mulenga, Aubrey Chamulwanda, Bruce Musakamya, Kelvin Mubanga and Charles Mweemba.
Ronald Kampamba leads strikers who include Moses Phiri, Patrick Ngoma, Spencer Ngalande, Kangwa, Friday Samu and Dave Daka.