Zambia coach Wedson Nyirenda has insisted he picked the best available legs in his 23-man selection for the Chipolopolo’s visit to Nigeria next weekend.
Nyirenda on Friday made known the list of selected players for the important 2018 FIFA World Cup with experienced duo Nathan Sinkala and Rainford Kalaba amidst other omissions.
Nyirenda kept faith in most of the players that won home and away against Algeria earlier in the month including 2017 Under-20 AFCON winners Patson Daka, Enock Mwepu, Fashion Sakala and Emmanuel Banda.
Sakala returns after having served his suspension from two yellow cards accumulated in the September 2 home match against Algeria.
“We have not shut the door against anyone,” said Nyirenda while reacting to a question on if the duo have played their last game for the team.
“The door has always been opened for every other player but for this encounter we have chosen these 23 (players). That is what we feel we are going to use. They will be called in the future,” said the former Ferroviaro de Beira coach.
Nyirenda will lead his wards to a short camping in Ghana on Sunday before heading to Nigeria to face the Group B leaders on Saturday, October 7 at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo, Southern Nigeria.
Zambia Squad
Goalkeepers
Kennedy Mweene (Memelodi Sundowns, South Africa)
Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Allan Chibue (Power Dynamos)
Defenders
Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu ( both Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Stoppila Sunzu (Arsenal Tula Russia), Zigo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Power Dynamos).
Midfielders
Chisamba Lungu (Allanyaspor, Turkey), Edward Chilufya (Djurgardens Sweden)
Donashano Malama (Nkana), Konduani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila (both Zesco United), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Enock Mwepu ( FC Liefering Austria), Emmanuel Banda (K.V Dostende Belgium), Roderick Kabwe (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa) Ernest Mbewe ( Zanaco, Zambia).
Strikers
Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Fashion Sankala ( Spartak Moscow, Russia), Brian Mwila (Platinum Stars, South Africa) and Patson Dhaka (Red Bull Salzburg, Austria)
