The Zambia National Team African Nations Championship (CHAN) preparations commence today (Saturday) with a clash against Niger at the Olembe Annexe B in Yaoundé.
Coach Milutin ‘Micho’ Sredojevic will lead the Copper Bullets in their first assignment at the Four Nation Invitational tournament which is a prelude to the CHAN this afternoon.
Micho will be looking to testing his charges ahead of the tournament that kick-off on January 16, 2021.
Zambia has travelled to Cameroon with 24 players who will be looking to be part of the action and earn spots in the Chan playing squad.
In goal competition is still with Kabwe Warriors’ Lameck Siame being challenged for the spot by Prison Leopards’ Charles Kalumba and Patrick Chooma of KYSA. Richard Nyirenda of Nchanga Rangers is also part of the goalkeeping personnel.
At the back Micho is likely to deploy an Adrian Chama and Clement Mwape central partnership with Zachariah Chilongoshi and Benedict Chepeshi deployed as wingbacks.
In midfield skipper Benson Sakala will take up his command post with prospective partners in fan favourite Spence Sautu, Chaniza Zulu or Paul Katema.
Others raring to go are Leonard Mulenga, Jack Chirwa and the imposing Kelvin Kapumbu.
Creative play will likely lie in Lusaka Dynamos’ Collins Sikombe or Bruce Musakanya.
Upfront the battle for places will be stiffer with the likes of Emamnuel Chabula. Roger Kola, Moses Phiri and Friday Samu looking to be given the nod.
Given the preparatory nature of the tournament, the technical bench will give as many players as possible a run as the team sharpens for the tournament.
Zambia will face Uganda on Monday before concluding its tournament with a crunch tie against Cameroon on Thursday.
At the Chan, Zambia is grouped with Tanzania, Namibia and Guinea and will be based in Limbe.
The match kicks-off at 16H00 local time (17H00 CAT).