The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has disclosed that they are dealing with a potential case of AWOL regarding Chipolopolo coach Aljosa Asanovic.
Asanovic is missing from Chipolopolo’s delegation in Bamako where Zambia will face hosts Mali in two friendly matches this weekend during the FIFA international match window.
Chipolopolo left Lusaka for Bamako on September 19.
FAZ general secretary Adrian Kashala confirmed in a press statement released on September 21 that Asanovic will not be in charge during the friendly doubleheader.
ZAMBIA COACH WENT AWOL
“The team is without head coach Aljosa Asanovic who has been away from duty for over one month and efforts to get him back so far have been unsuccessful,” Kashala said.
“With the Chipolopolo having many engagements and the league fully active, we expected that the head coach would be on station to preside over these engagements.
“FAZ will deal with the matter internally and dully keep the public informed in due course.”
Asanovic left Zambia for his homeland, Croatia, at the end of his last assignment on July 30 in a 2023 CHAN qualifier against Mozambique.
The Croat was appointed Chipolopolo coach in January and has recorded five wins, three defeats and two draws from his 10 games in charge.
Meanwhile, Chipolopolo assistant coach Moses Sichone will be in charge of Zambia for the friendlies to be played on September 23 and 26.
