The Zambia Under-23 national team have intensified preparations for the September 4 Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations final round qualifier against Congo Brazzaville.

Coach Beston Chambeshi said he was happy that some of the players plying their trade in foreign leagues were enjoying good form.

Chambeshi said Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Lameck Banda, Enock Mwepu and Kings Kangwa had started their new seasons in Europe on a good footing and hoped that they will add value to the Zambian Olympic dream.
“We have been monitoring the foreign based players, we are happy with the way they are playing. So far if you look at the two boys Lameck Banda and Kingsley Kangwa we received a good report and they are playing,” he said.

Chambeshi said the locals were working hard ahead of the two-legged encounters against Congo Brazzaville.
“So far so good, we are happy with the way the boys have come in although we are missing players from Zesco, Buildcon and Power Dynamos,” he said.

Players from Zesco United and Buildcon have continental engagements while Zanaco had availed Mangani Banda and Kebson Kamanga.

Chambeshi has drafted Edwin Chipile (MUZA), Lewis Maimba (Nkwazi), Francesco Mwepu (Kafue Celtic) and Crispin Sakulanda (Red Arrows).

Zambia will host Congo Brazzaville at National Heroes Stadium on September 4 before closing the tie in Pointe Noire four days later.

Winner over two legs will qualify to the Africa Cup of Nations to be held in Egypt in November.

Top three teams at the eight nation tournament will qualify to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.