George Lwandamina has named his provisional 26-member team for Zambia’s 2016 Caf African Nations Championship in Rwanda.

The team includes two players from the inaugural tournament in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire where Zambia finished third.

Zanaco defender George Chilufya, who was part of that team, has been recalled two years after Zambia won the 2013 Cosafa Cup as hosts.

Chilufya together with Zesco United goalkeeper Jacob Banda are the only survivors back for Zambia second Chan outing.

Lwandamina has also recalled Green Buffaloes defender Adrian Chama who has not been in the team since the reign of Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle a year ago.

Zesco’s star playmaker Cletus Chota has also been included in the team and is hoping to be amongst the 21 Chan debutants.

Otherwise Lwandamina has stuck to his eight Under-23 players led by Lusaka Dynamos striker Conlyde Luchanga who recently made a first round exit from the 2015 CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in Senegal.

Zambia are in Group D where they will face Mali, Uganda and arch-rivals Zimbabwe. Chipolopolo will face Zimbabwe in both sides opening match on January 19.

Team:

GOALKEEPERS: Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Daniel Munyao (Red Arrows), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco)

DEFENDERS:Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos), Boyd Mkandawire (Napsa Stars), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Donashano Malama (Nkana), George Chilufya (Zanaco), Bichizya Mfune, Adrian Chama (both Green Buffaloes), Dauti Musekwa (Zesco United)

MIDFIELDERS: Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors), Benson Sakala, Patson Daka (both Power Dynamos), Mwape Mwelwa, Cletus Chota (both Zesco United), Spencer Sautu, Mwila Phiri (both Green Eagles), Jack Chirwa (Green Buffaloes), Paul Katema (Red Arrows), Salulani Phiri (Zanaco)

STRIKERS: Charles Zulu (Zanaco), Festus Mbewe (Red Arrows), Conlyde Luchanga (Lusaka Dynamos), Adamson Mulao (Green Eagles), Winston Kalengo (Zesco United)

Source: © supersport.com

Bonface Osano

African Football Writer contributing @Soka25east | Commentator; appeared on @MySoccerAfrica, @KweseSports, @ntvkenya, others | Keen follower of African Football. E-mail: bonfaceosano@gmail.com