Zambia name U20 Afcon team

Chrispin Sakulanda @ SS com

Beston Chambeshi has named his final 21-member team, to represent hosts’ Zambia in the 2017 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Zambia will host the Under-20 Afcon from February 26 to March 12.

Chambeshi has cut five players, from last December’s victorious 2016 Cosafa Under-20 Cup team from his final list.

Out are goalkeeper Dominic Nzala, defender Boyd Mkandawire, midfielder Linos Makwaza Junior plus striker’s Happy Nsofwa and Joseph Phiri.

The new faces include goalkeeper James Phiri, defender Prosper Chilufya and Spain- based midfielder Mumba Mwape from Getafe B.

Two overseas-based strikers have also been added to the team, they are Emmanuel Banda of Portuguese club Esmoriz and Conlyde Luchanga from Israeli side Hapoel Ra’anana.

Zambia will kick off its Group A campaign on February 26 against Guinea.

Mali and four-time champions Egypt compete Group A, who will play their matches at National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka.

Group B comprising of South Africa, Sudan, Cameroon and Senegal will be based in Ndola at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

Team:

Goalkeepers: Mangani Banda (Zanaco),Samson Banda (Zesco United), James Phiri (Circuit City)

Defenders: Moses Nyondo (Nkana),Prosper Chilufya (Kafue Celtic), Benson Chali (Forest Rangers), Solomon Sakala (Kabwe Warriors), Shemmy Mayembe (Zesco United), Edward Tembo (Gomes FC)

Midfielders: Sydney Phiri (Gomes FC), Crispin Sakulanda (Mufulira Wanderers), Harrison Musonda (Nkana), Enock Mwepu (Napsa Stars), Kenneth Kalunga (IFS, Denmark), Mumba Mwape (Getafe B,Spain), Boyd Siame Musonda (Zanaco)

Strikers: Conlyde Luchanga (Hapoel Ra’anana,Israel), Fashion Sakala (Zanaco), Emmanuel Banda (Esmoriz, Portugal), Edward Chilufya (Mpande Youth), Patson Daka (Liefering, Austria)

Coach: Beston Chambeshi