Mayuka Finally Joins Chipolopolo Squad, Completes Training Squad

Zambia’s provisional squad in Johannesburg are now complete with the arrival of striker Emmanuel Mayuka.

The 23-year-old striker from English Premier League side Southampton arrived on Monday morning.

Mayuka’s arrival brings to 26 players in camp as coach Herve Renard prepares to name his final 23-man squad this week ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations that kicks off on January 19.

The 2012 Africa Cup golden boot winner will be in line for selection on Tuesday for Zambia’s friendly against Morocco at the Rand Stadium in Johannesburg.

Zambia face nemesis Morocco in a friendly looking to end a three-match losing run.

Tuesday’s game against Morocco will also mark Dutch-based striker Jacob Mulenga’s return to the fold after a 15-month hiatus due to injury.

Mulenga has been on fire at Utrecht since his recovery scoring seven times in 16 games.

There is much anticipation following the 28-year-old striker’s return after his teammates recently only managed to score just one goal in 270 minutes of friendly action.

Nothing has seemingly gone well in the African champions’ 2013 buildup games ahead of the January 19 tournament kickoff date.

They face Morocco, whom they have not beaten 21 years, on the back of a three-match losing streak.

Moreover, the two sides’ last meeting in another friendly match on November 19, 2008 in Casablanca saw The Atlas Lions thumped Zambia 3-0.

Nine Zambian players including Mulenga and Collins Mbesuma were in the starting line-up four years ago and are back to face Morocco while Atlas Lions defender Rabeh-Badr El Kaddouri is the sole survivor from that friendly in this team.

Meanwhile, Zambia trace their last win over Morocco to July 4, 1993 when they won 2-1 in a 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Lusaka.

Morocco have since then won three of their subsequent four meetings.

Zambia’s best result against The Atlas Lions was a 1-1 draw in the group stage of the 1998 Africa Cup

Posted by Admin on January 7, 2013. Filed under SPORTS. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

9 Responses to Mayuka Finally Joins Chipolopolo Squad, Completes Training Squad

Pompizo

January 7, 2013 at 10:38 pm

Jacob already returned at the mandela cup you fools.
Democrat

January 8, 2013 at 3:12 am

The continued losses in friendly games has been disgustingly worrying. Hope morroco game will lift up our dampened football spirit, iye!!
Fredos

January 8, 2013 at 7:19 am

You have come..? But we want more goals. Just a name will not do.
Wemfula Isa Isa

January 8, 2013 at 8:13 am

Mwaice Mayuka ulefola ishingi ku Southampton nomba walapwa nga wakulalya ibench lyonse. Balange ati you aren’t meant for the bench but for the pitch.
Abakonzi

January 8, 2013 at 8:48 am

Whatever anyone says if zambia continues losing all pre Afcon friendly games then its Bad Omen….period!
Ba game

January 8, 2013 at 8:51 am

Nabamupwisha umwaice bafikala aba basouthamton.
George Boole

January 8, 2013 at 11:03 am

Renard must stop his obsession with some players and select a team that can win matches. Chief among these (players) include 1.Chamanga 2. Felix 3. Mayuka 4. Katongo. Drop some when necessary!!!
Neither

January 8, 2013 at 12:08 pm

Ths time around thy ll b the best loosing team pa Africa, watch ths space….ati afcon champions! rubish..,
kc

January 8, 2013 at 1:08 pm

good news