Kenyan International Anthony Akumu is a notable absentee from the Zesco United squad traveling to Eswatini to face Green Mamba for the first leg tie in the Preliminary round of the CAF Champions League.

Akumu together with Enock Sabamukumana and striker Winston Kalengo will not be available for the fixture due to knocks.

“We have three casualties. Winston Kalengo who is recovering steadily while Anthony and Enock they tried but they still thought the pain is still there so they have been referred back to the hospital for further investigations. Those are the casualties in the team the rest are there,” Zesco coach George Lwandamina said prior to departure for eSwatini on Tuesday afternoon in Ndola.

Akumu has been a regular feature for Team Yaziko in midfield and will be definitely missed but the Zambian Champions still have enough in the tank to secure the win.

Two other Kenyan players Jesse Were and David Odhiambo have made the trip together with their new signing from Sofapaka Umaru Kasumba the Ugandan striker and Zimbabwe midfielder Thambani Kamusoko.

“On the field of training they are doing fine, all the newcomers are blending in so nicely. Yes, we haven’t played a friendly but we will pick it up from there,” Lwandamina said.