Renard unveils CHAN squad

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Zambia 2-0 Zimbabwe - Chipolopolo Cosafa Cup champions @ Levi Mwanawasa Stadium

MIDFIELDER Bruce Musakanya yesterday shrugged off a hamstring injury to be included in Herve Renard’s 20-man squad for tomorrow’s 2014 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) first round first leg against Botswana.
Musakanya sustained an injury last Wednesday during the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Castle Senior Challenge Cup semi-final clash against South Africa, which Zambia won 5-3 on post match penalties after a goalless draw in regulation and extra time.
Renard is, however, unlikely to feature Musakanya in tomorrow’s match but could be available for the return match next weekend.
The coach has retained the squad that won the Cosafa with only the inclusion being Nkana striker Evans Kangwa.
Renard has dropped Davy Kaumbwa, Salulani Phiri, Claude Bwalya, Stanley Nshimbi and Brian Chewe.
Football Association of Zambia communications manager Erick Mwanza, who released the list in Lusaka yesterday, said the team will fly out this afternoon.
Meanwhile, Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane says pressure is on Zambia in tomorrow’s match.
Tshosane said yesterday that having won the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (Cosafa) Castle Senior Challenge Cup last Saturday, the Chipolopolo will be under pressure to replicate the same form in Gaborone.
He said since Zambia will be under pressure, the Zebras will take advantage to cause an upset.
“Zambia are under pressure because they are favourites. We do not have any pressure. Since the Zambians will be under pressure, we will try to capitalise on their mistakes and beat them by a big margin,” Tshosane said.
He said the Zebras are ready for the battle.
Tshosane, however, regretted the groin injury of striker Tebogo Sembowa.
He is keeping his fingers crossed that Sembowa of Gaborone United will recover in time for the match.
Zambia thumped Botswana 3-1 in the 2009 CHAN qualifier.
The winner between Zambia and Botswana will face either Zimbabwe or Mauritius in the last round.
The Zambia team:
Goalkeepers: Danny Manyao, Joshua Titima
Defenders: Jimmy Chisenga, Kabaso Chongo, Fackson Kapumbu, Masauso Zimba, Christopher Munthali, Bronson Chama
Midfielders: Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila, Sydney Kalume, Shadreck Malambo, Mukuka Mulenga, Julius Situmbeko, Bruce Musakanya
Strikers: Bornwell Mwape, Alex Ng’onga, Festus Mbewe, Moses Phiri and Evans Kangwa.

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