Two Foreign-Based Stars Withdraw From Zambia Squad Ahead Of Nigeria Clash

The Zambian national team have suffered a big blow ahead of their 2018 World Cup qualifying match against Nigeria, with two of the eleven foreign-based professionals called up for the tie withdrawing from the squad.

Platinum Stars ace Brian Mwila and K.V Oostende midfielder Emmanuel Banda can't participate in the game after failing to recover from injury, and coach Wedson Nyirenda has since replaced the duo with Power Dynamos midfielder Alex Ng’onga and Zesco United’s John Ching’andu.

Mwila endeared himself to Zambia fans after netting a brace in a 3-1 win over Algeria at the Heroes Stadium on September 2.

''Brian (Mwila) will not be part of the team as he had a recurrence of the injury he suffered during the Algeria game. It is best to give him time to fully recover,'' Team Doctor George Magwende said to Fazfootball.com.

The Zambia squad will leave for Accra, Ghana on Sunday, October 1 ahead of the meeting against Nigeria.

Updated Zambia Squad

Goalkeepers (3) : Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns-RSA), Toaster Nsabata (Zanaco), Allan Chibwe (Power Dynamos)

Defenders (6) : Simon Silwimba, Fackson Kapumbu (both Zesco United), Adrian Chama (Green Buffaloes), Stoppilla Sunzu (Arsenal Tula -Russia), Ziyo Tembo (Zanaco), Isaac Shamujompa (Power Dynamos)

Midfielders (11) : Chisamba Lungu (Allanyespor-Turkey), Edward Chilufya (Djurgårdens-Sweden), Donashano Malama (Nkana), Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila (both Zesco United), Augustine Mulenga (Zanaco), Enock Mwepu (FC Liefering),  Roderick Kabwe (Cape Town Ajax), Ernest Mbewe (Zanaco), John Ching’andu (Zesco United), Alex Ng’onga (Power Dynamos)

Strikers (3) : Justin Shonga (Orlando Pirates), Fashion Sakala (Spartak Moscow),  Patson Daka (Red Bull Salzburg-Austria)

Igho Kingsley