Zambia Start Afcon Preparations

Midfield maestro Rainford Kalaba trained on his own as an understrength Chipolopolo side started its African Cup of Nations preparations on Saturday.

Kalaba was under the watch eye of national team medics, who declared that the Mufulira native will be fit and ready for AFCON as he continues his rehabilitation from a groin injury.

Given Singuluma, Chisamba Lungu are expected to join by the end of the day [Sunday] while it is still unclear wthether England bound Stopilla Sunzu will train this week as he is supposedly expected to work on his papers.

The trio were the only absentees as skipper Chris Katongo, James Chamanga and Isaac Chansa also took part in training. The other foreign based players were Nathan Sinkala and Hichani Himonde.

Red Arrows’ full back Francis Tindi Mwanza, who had his first taste of international football as a second half substitute against Saudi Arabia was joined by his teammates Shadreck Malambo and Danny Munyao. Joshua Titima, Thomas Nyirenda and Mukuka Mulenga, all from Power Dynamos, and Zanaco duo Saulani Phiri and Moses Phiri also trained. Kalililo Kakonje is also in camp

Centre-back and former Under-23 Derick Mwansa from promoted side Nkwazi, gets another chance to impress the Frenchman.

With Jacob Mulenga fit, Kalaba remains the only injury concern.

Zambia will play Tanzania next Saturday in an international friendly match and then a full strength Chipolopolo side will be announced after the Christmas break.

-Thanks to zambianfootball.co.zm