Zambia have the opportunity to prove it has what it takes to turn the tables around when they square off against Algeria in the TOTAL 2021 (to be played in 2022) Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier match.
Chipolopolo host the Desert Foxes at National Heroes stadium, Lusaka, in a 21:00hours kick-off to face off against Djamel Belmadi’s side that is unbeaten in 22 matches.
The match will be live on ZNBC TV 1.
The Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic led technical bench has all the ammunition needed to be employed in tonight’s battle, where a win will take the Chipolopolo to six points and keep alive the chances of qualifying to the continental showpiece.
Micho has a deep line-up and will choose who starts between the sticks with South Africa-based goal-minder Cyril Chibwe, Green Eagles’ Allan Chibwe and his Kabwe Warriors’ counterpart Lameck Siame all available for selection.
In defence, Kabaso Chongo, Adrian Chama, Luka Banda and Benedict Chepeshi are some of the players available for the first eleven while it will be exciting to see which midfield work force starts with Enock Mwepu, Clatous Chota Chama, Larry Bwalya, Rodrick Kabwe, Lubambo Musonda, Nathan Sinkala, Collins Sikombe, Amity Shamende and Spencer Sautu all hungry to represent the country at the biggest stage.
Current Red Bull Salzburg top scorer Patson Daka is expected to lead the Chipolopolo with Moses Phiri, Gamphani Lungu and Augustine Mulenga all available.
Micho’s opposite number Belmadi will be without key players such as Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez, Real Betis’ Aïssa Mandi and West Ham’s Saïd Benrahma who have been ruled out of tonight’s game due to COVID-19 restrictions where they cannot enter England for ten days after travelling to Zambia.
However, Belmadi has tasked his players called for duty to justify their inclusion and use the match to prepare for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.
After Thursday’s fixture, Zambia will travel to Zimbabwe to face Warriors while Algeria will host Botswana on Monday 29 March.