Gift Mphande, Lameck Banda, and Frankie Musonda Join Zambia’s AFCON Campaign
The Zambia National Team gearing up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast has received a significant boost with the arrival of three key players to complete the 27-member squad selected by coach Avram Grant.
The trio comprising Lameck Banda, Frankie Musonda, and Gift Mphande have joined the squad, adding valuable depth and talent to the team’s roster. The arrival of these players enhances the team’s preparation for the continental tournament.
Gift Mphande, who plies his trade in Israel, arrived in the morning, while Lameck Banda (Lecce) and Frankie Musonda (AYR United) joined later in the day at 13:00 local time in Taif. With their arrival, Coach Grant now has a full complement of players at his disposal for training sessions in Saudi Arabia.
The Chipolopolo, as the Zambia National Team is affectionately known, is scheduled to play against Cameroon on January 9 in an international friendly. This match serves as a crucial part of their preparations for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Zambia finds itself in Group F for the AFCON tournament, sharing the group with Morocco, Tanzania, and Congo DR. The team’s opening match is set for January 17 against Congo DR, followed by a clash with Tanzania four days later. The final group match is against the formidable Atlas Lions of Morocco on January 24.
The collective efforts of these talented players, along with the coaching staff led by Avram Grant, reflect Zambia’s determination to make a mark in the prestigious tournament. As anticipation builds, football enthusiasts eagerly await the performances of the Chipolopolo on the continental stage.
