Zambia midfielder Owen Tembo will miss the first of the Chipolopolo’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group I qualifiers against Burundi after accumulating two yellow cards in the previous qualifying matches.
The Power Dynamos midfielder was cautioned in Zambia’s encounters against Algeria and Togo, triggering an automatic one-match suspension under the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations. He will, however, be available for the return fixture in Burundi.
Article 42.1 of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Regulations, under Chapter 17 on Sanctions of Players, states that a player who receives two cautions during the qualifying phase or final tournament is automatically suspended for the following match. The suspension is communicated to the associations concerned by the CAF Secretariat.
Tembo’s absence, coupled with that of Klings Kangwa from the home encounter, leaves head coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina with a midfield selection decision ahead of Friday’s fixture.
Miguel Chaiwa and Joseph Liteta are expected to feature, while Wilson Chisala or Obino Chisala could provide another option if Lwandamina opts for a three-man midfield.
Zambia will host Burundi at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on 13 November before travelling to Bujumbura for the return fixture on 17 November.
The Chipolopolo currently sit second in Group I with three points from two matches, one point behind leaders Algeria. Togo are also on three points, while Burundi occupy the bottom position with one point.
The two encounters offer Zambia an opportunity to strengthen their position in the qualification race and improve their chances of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
The tournament, branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
