The Zambia national team plays its third international friendly tomorrow afternoon when they take on Botswana in Orapa.
Saturdays friendly is the first of two confirmed warm-up games is ahead of the teams Group 11 Africa Cup qualifier on September 15 against South Africa in Cape Town with the next game to follow on August 22 away in Kigali where they will play Rwanda.
Zambia face Botswana seeking a second successive win after beating the latter 1-0 in the 2006 Cosafa Castle Cup Semifinals on August 19 in Lusaka ending a four-game winless streak.
For this game, Coach Patrick Phiri is taking with him a 17-member team to Orapa that includes four debutants.
Two of the first-timers include goalkeepers namely Green Buffaloes Mike Poto and Makasa Mufwaya of Roan United.
Phiri’s is stretched on resources from his pool of regular home-based players due to Under-23 duty and absentees for other reasons leaving him with a threadbare team.
Konkola Blades striker Felix Nsunzu, defenders Francis Kasonde of Power Dynamos and Hichani Himoonde from Lusaka Dynamos are all away at the All-Africa Games in Algeria.
The team has also suffered absentees with defender Joseph Musonda, midfielder Rainford Kalaba and goalkeeper George Kolala all unavailable due to trial commitments in South Africa, France and Egypt respectively.
But for once in a friendly against perennial friendly opponents Botswana, Phiri has two key foreign-based players in his team to face The Zebras with Portsmouth striker Collins Mbseuma and club-less defender Clive Hachilensa formerly of Free State Stars of South Africa both available.
Phiri could also give unknown Allan Mukuka of Mufulira Wanderers a start to alongside Nkana utility player Mark Sinyangwe and the Zanaco duo of Jack Chileshe and Lameck Njovu in a depleted midfield as the coach searches for options and tries to improvise in that department.
Goalkeepers: Mike Poto (Green Buffaloes), Makasa Mufwaya (Roan United).
Defenders: Willy Chinyama (Zesco United), Evans Chisulo, Kennedy Nkethani (Both Zanaco), Clive Hachilensa (Free State Stars, South Africa), Patrick Masosa (Green Buffaloes), Gilbert Kalusa (Lusaka Dynamos).
Midfielders: Jack Chileshe, Lameck Njovu (Both Zanaco), Allan Mukuka (Mufulira Wanderers), Mark Sinyangwe (Nkana FC).
Strikers: Enoch Sakala, Jonah Sakuwaha (Both Zesco United), Elson Mukandawire (Power Dynamos), Ben Mwanza (Roan United), Collins Mbesuma (Portsmouth, England).
Patrick Phiri should partner collins mbesuma with Ben Mwanza since these guys have played together at Roan united for over five years. Obviously they know each other well!
#1. While I agree that Phiri should use the most potent striking system and any such permuations that answer to this requirement are welcome, i differ with the premise of your argument. First Mbesuma was at Roan over two seasons ago, and he has since evolved.
Second, Ben Mwanza is yet to stamp his authority on the local league in terms of scoring goals- I even wonder the justification of his inclusion in the team.
who knows the results for botswana – zambia game?