Chipolopolo Zambia will not be heading to Libya for the three-nation friendly tournament and instead face Mali away in two friendlies.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) confirmed that Chipolopolo will now be heading to Mali.
“The Libya matches are off but instead we will play two games against Mali on September 23 and 26 in Bamako,” FAZÂ spokesperson Sydney Mungala told FARPost.
Mungala described the change of schedule as due to an administrative adjustment.
Mali too was part of the three-nation friendly tournament that Libya was scheduled to host in Benghazi from September 21-27.
Chipolopolo were set to play Libya on September 22 and Mali on September 24 while the latter and the hosts were due to meet on September 27.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic on Monday named a 27-member team for Zambia’s September friendlies.
They include 12 European-based players and three call-ups from the South Africa PSL.
Sekhukhune United’s duo of goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata and midfielder Roderick Kabwe are part of the Chipolopolo team.
Amazulu midfielder Rally Bwalya is also expected to join the team when he starts camp this weekend in Lusaka.
The twelve European-based Chipolopolo players include Leicester City striker Patson Daka and Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Enock Mwepu.
Also in the Chipolopolo team is defender Frankie Musonda of Scottish Championship side Ayr United and striker Fashion Sakala who plays for Scottish Premiership club Glasgow Rangers.
SC Simba midfielder Clatous Chama is set to make his Chipolopolo return after missing last June’s 2023 AFCON qualifiers due to an ankle injury.
But Chama’s clubmate at the Tanzanian giants’ striker Moses Phiri has not been summoned for the Mali trip by Asanovic.
