Zambianfootball.net

Zambia national soccer team opens its Group D fixture tonight against Tunisia. The French-born trainer Herve Renard will be hoping his charges emulate neighbours Malawi who stunned Algeria by thrashing the FIFA 2010 World Cup finalist by 3 goals to nil.

The Chipolopolo Boys and the Carthage Eagles have meant three times in the last 15 years. In 1996, then coached by Roald Poulsen, Zambia won 2-0 at Independence Stadium in an International friendly but three weeks later, when it mattered most in the African Cup of Nations semi final in Durban,  goals from Hilary Makasa and Dennis Lota were not enough  as  the Tunisia advanced to the finals via a 4-2 scoreline.

That loss in Durban proved to be the ‘end of era’ for the boys from Lusaka and no one was stunned when the Brazilian born Dos Santos led Carthage Eagles humiliated Kennedy Nkhetani and co. at the 2006 African Cup of Nations by 4 goals to 1 despite taking an early lead.

Despite outplaying Cameroon at the last edition in Ghana, the indomitable Lions of Yaoundé capitalized on school boy mistakes from again Nkhetani, Billy Mwanza and Clive Hachilensa to thrash the boys from Lusaka by 5 goals to nil.

With news that former under-20 star Stoppilla Sunzu from the famed ‘Class of 07’ tipped to be at the heart of the defence alongside veteran Kampamba Chintu, many fans don’t really know what to expect from the new partnership which only allowed a single goal in the three friendly games Zambia played.

The match against the fast improving Gabon brings back the memories of Kalusha Bwalya’s individual and brilliant goal at ‘Indepondo’ in 1995 when ‘Great Kalu’ rounded off a cluster of defenders to slot home an injury time goal!!!

For this Zambianfootball.net takes look at all the 23 players set to do battle for mother Zambia in Lubango, Angola.

Kakonje with Mweene at Independence Stadium

Full Names: Kalililo Kakonje

Club: Amazulu

D.O.B: 1^st January, 1985

Jersey #: 1

Nickname: KK

AFCON: Surprisingly dropped by then coach Kalusha Bwalya for the 2006 edition in Tunisia despite being the first choice goalkeeper in the qualifiers.

Kakonje, who wedded on Christmas day was part of Patrick Phiri’s 23-man squad in Ghana two years ago but he is yet to make his debut.

On his club form, the dreadlocked shot stopper has been linked to a move as he is third choice for Neil Tovey coached Amazulu.

Full Names: Francis Kasonde

Mr Reliable scored in Cairo when Zambia stunned the Pharoahs

Club: Al Suwaiq, Oman.

D.O.B: 1^st September, 1986.

Jersey #: 2

Nickname: Mr Reliable

Position: Defender/ Midfielder

AFCON: This is his second African Cup of Nations as he was unused substitute in 2008. Usually ‘mistaken identity’ with former Kabwe Warriors player (Francis Kasonde) who was capped at international and was part of the 2002 AFCON Squad.

His versatility; comfortable across the back four and holding midfield role- has prevented him to be slotted in his favoured position-Central defence.

Kasonde has captained the Chipolopolo Boys occasionally.

At his club in Oman, he has been used mainly in midfield. He signed an 8 month deal at Al Suwaiq in September 2009 and will be hoping a good outing in Angola will win him a more lucrative deal or contract extension.

If Kasonde will be putting on Jersey 2, guess what Jacob Mulenga’s jersey number is?????????????

Dennis Banda aka DB beind welcomed by a fan at the airport

Full Names: Dennis Banda

Club: Green Buffaloes

D.O.B: 10^th December, 1988.

Jersey #: 3

Position: Central Defender

Nickname:

AFCON: This is his first African Cup of Nations. He is modern type of centre-back; calm, composed, elegant and a ball distributing centre-back.

Banda has come through the ranks from the under-20 level where he played all the games for the George Lwandamina coached side (Class of 07).

In 2009, the Buffaloes skipper cemented his place in the national team and played in all the international games Zambia played but his penalty miss in 4-2 loss to Zanzibar looks like has costed him a place in the starting line up as Sunzu is now ahead of him in the pecking order.

Full Names: Joseph Musonda

Muzo’s experience will be vital at the back.

Club: Golden Arrows, South Africa

D.O.B: 30^th May 1977.

Jersey #: 4

Position: Full-Back

Nickname: Muzo

AFCON: Making his third appearance (2006, 2008 & 2010) at AFCON, the right footed full back made his international debut in 2001 but did not make the squad to Mali for the 2002 finals. Poulsen preferred Hilary Makasa.

They say defenders and goalkeepers mature as they grow older and this evidenced in ‘Ba Muzo’s game. He was arguably Zambia’s best defender in Ghana, two years ago and marked his fine performance with an assist to Chris Katongo’s equalizer against Egypt.

Musonda captains at Golden Arrows were he lifted the MTN top 8 Cup earlier in the season.

One trivial: Despite being right footed he has won most of caps at left wing back.

Keeping an eye on Samuel Eto’o won’t be new to HH.

Full Names: Hichani Himonde

Club: Lusaka Dynamos

D.O.B: 1^st August, 1987

Jersey #: 5

Position: Central Defender

Nickname: Kwame or HH

AFCON: Having spent a seaon on loan at Zesco United, Himonde has offers on table for a move abroad. Orange CAF Champions League winners T.P Mazembe of Congo has expressed interest to sign while it also rumoured a European club has been tracking and monitoring his progress.

He played two games in Ghana at the African Cup of Nations. While signs of ‘coming out of age’ were showing in 2008 both club and country, Himonde just showed glimpse of his potential for someone who has all the attributes of a centre-half especially at international level.

He is Zambia’s symbol of present & future

Full Names: Emmanuel Mbola

Club: Pyunik Yeravan, Armenia.

D.O.B: 10^th May, 1993.

Jersey #: 6

Position: Left back

Nickname: Ba Emma

AFCON: Making his debut appearance at African Cup of Nations. Already being tracked by a top six English Premier League side and good tournament for him will help convince the coach of that club to pull the string on this talented teenage.

Russian side CSKA Moscow have already confirmed that he will be attending trials their after the tournament.

Trivial: Mbola idolizes former Real Madrid and Brazil full back Roberto Carlos hence the jersey number 6, that was the same number of Carlos on his shirt on the yellow jersey of the selecao.

His has been on song at his club in Holland

Full Names: Jacob Mulenga

Club: FC Utrecht, Holland

D.O.B: 12 February, 1984

Jersey #: 7

Position: Striker

Nickname: Jako

AFCON: His second having missed the Egypt 2006 through injury. He has been in rich vein of form and one hope the gangling and physical striker transfers his club form to international where he has only scored 4 competitive goals in a Chipolopolo shirt.

His club form has led to some international press singling the former Afrisport hitman as one of the break-out stars in Angola.

Trivial: Since making his international debut in 2005, Jacob has been putting on shirt number 2 and maybe his switch to se7ev might bring a bit of luck!!!

Full Names: Isaac Chansa

Chansa hopes to ‘ve a better tournament than the Ghana 2008

Club: Free Agent

D.O.B:  23^rd March, 1984

Jersey #: 8

Position: Midfield

Nickname: Zambian Gattuso

AFCON: This is his third tournament after debuting in Egypt 2006. Fans love him for speaking his mind and openness…calls a spade a spade.

His contract with Swedish side Helsingborg just ended last month. He is aware a good outing might land him a lucrative deal.

The nonsense former Power Dynamos midfielder looks set to start from the bench in most games.

Many fans believe Mbesuma remains Zambia’s main threat

Full Names: Collins Mbesuma

Club: Moroka Swallows, South Africa

D.O.B: 3^rd February, 1984

Jersey #: 9

Position: Striker

Nickname: Ntofo-ntofo

AFCON: His second appearance having missed the previous edition through injury.

Mbesuma is the fans’ Zambian Player of the Decade and that explains his talent. Many people are hoping this could be the turning point for the Portsmouth player has failed to rediscover the form that attracted the attention of Real Madrid, Chelsea, Bolton and many top European clubs.

Going from the three friendly games, once dubbed as the African Hurricane is poised to be used as an impact player from the bench.

Man to watch: Felix Katongo relishes the big stage!!

Full Names: Felix Katongo

Club: Mamelodi Sundowns

D.O.B: 18^th April, 1984

Jersey #: 10

Position: Midfielder/Winger

Nickname: FK10/ Jet Lee/ Feli-Goal

AFCON: His third appearance and was Zambia’s star performance at the last edition in Ghana. He was voted man of the match in the 5-1 loss to Cameroon. His impressing display in the build up to Ghana 2008 in friendly games against Tunisia and Morocco led to him signing for French Ligue 1 side Stade Rennes.

While he is yet to display his 2008 international form, FK10 reminded the Chipolopolo faithful of his goal scoring prowess when he unleashed his trade mark ‘Feli-Goal’ 30-yard stunner when he beat the South Korea keeper on Saturday.

One hopes he replicates  his 2008 AFCON form in Angola.

Trivia: Feli-Goal had a one season stint at Angolan side Petro Athletico were he played in the hole just behind Manuocho in the 2007 season.

James Chamanga and Chris Katongo will lead the attack against Tunisia

Full Names: Christopher Katongo

Club: Arminia Bielefeld, Germany

D.O.B: 31^st August, 1982.

Jersey #: 11

Position: Striker/Winger

Nickname: Tsunami

AFCON: Since scoring that hat-trick in Cape Town in 2007 plus his man of match feat in the 1-1 draw with the Pharaohs of Egypt, the Staff Sergeant’s displays in a Chipopolo shirt have failed to convince the masses.

A good outing in Angola could help improve win back the ever demanding fans.

Full Names: James Chamanga

Club: Dalian Shide, China

D.O.B: 2^nd February, 1980

Jersey #: 12

Position:  Striker

Nickname: Chama Boy

AFCON: Is he going to score Zambia’s first game against Tunisia? If he does that then he will make history by being the first player to score his country’s ‘first goal of the tournament’ at three successive African Cup of Nations.

He has scored se7en goals for Zambia since his hat-trick on November 21, 2009 against North Korea in Lusaka.

Sunzu will be at the heart of the defence

Full Names: Stoppila Sunzu

Club: Afrisport, Zambia

D.O.B: 22^nd June, 1989

Jersey #: 13

Position: Midfielder/Defender

Nickname: Sto

AFCON: Debutant. He has the faith of Coach Herve Renard. This could break or make his Chipolopolo future. Renard has used the budding star in central defence in the friendly games. But one big question is that why experiment now when it matters most when the Frenchman had all the time.

I f Sunzu comes out tops in Angola, then Renard should take the credit.

Sunzu who’s original position is midfield and has been compared to Patrick Viera (if only he could add the aggressive of the Frenchman’s game).

Trivia: His father, Felix Sunzu Sr played as a goalkeeper for Konkola Blades but was born in DR Congo. His elder brother Felix Jr was part of the Ghana 2008 AFCON squad.

Full Names: Noah Sikombe Chivuta

Chivuta is Zambia’s first choice penalty taker at AFCON

Club: Maritzburg United, South Africa.

D.O.B: 22^nd December, 1983.

Jersey #: 14

Position: Midfield

Nickname:

AFCON: Debutant. He is officially the Chipolopolo’s first choice penalty taker in Angola. Calm and collective on the ball, the former Under-23 skipper started five games except for one in the second round qualifiers.

But reading through the friendly games roster, the left footed will be dropped to the bench.

Trivia: Played with South Africa and Orlando Pirates super star Teko Modese in the same engine when both players were just turning pro at Hellenic se7en years ago.

Modibo is Zambia’s most experienced player having made his AFCON debut in 2000

Full Names: Kampamba Chintu

Club: Amazulu, South Africa

D.O.B: 28^th December, 1980.

Jersey #: 15

Position: Central Defender

Nickname:  Modibo

AFCON: Then aged 19 years old, Chintu was part of the youngsters; Andrew Sinkala, Perry Mutapa and Bernard Makufi (Gift Kampamba did not make the squad) from the ‘class of 99’ that Ben Bamfuchile included in his 23 man squad for the Ghana/Nigeria Afcon that also included Kalusha Bwalya. If fact Modibo was the youngest in that squad.

But unfortunately since, the burly centre-back only made a return to the national team fold in the latter stages of the 2008 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

This will be his third AFCON and looks set to start in the first game despite being the fourth choice centre-back in the qualifiers.

Full Names: Kennedy Mweene

Undisputed Zambia’s first choice goalkeeper. He was on the bench in 2006 when Tunisia won 4-1.

Club: Free State Stars, RSA

D.O.B: 11^th December, 1984.

Jersey #: 16

Position: Goalkeeper

Nickname: Kapalayi

AFCON: This is his third AFCON finals and second as first choice. He made his AFCON debut in the win over Tunisia in a formality group game.

The high rated shot stopper is one of key backbone of the national team.

Full Names: Rainford Kalaba

Club: Unaio de Uleiria, Portugal.

D.O.B: 14^th August 1986.

Jersey #: 17

Position: Midfield

The stage is set for him to prove his creditials at the highest level

Nickname: Kaka-balika or Ba Mupa

AFCON: His third AFCON tournament. The playmaker is on loan from Portuguese league leaders Sporting Braga to Unaio de Uleiria with another Angola midfielder Stelvio.

Having been used sparingly in the last two editions, this could be Kalaba’s time to stamp his credentials as one of the most influential midfielders of his generation at the big stage. Felix showed us in Ghana!!!

Full Names: Given Singuluma

Club: T.P Mazembe, DR Congo

D.O.B: 19^th July, 1986.

Jersey #: 18

Position: Striker

Nickname: Freedom or Mandanda

Singuluma, Modibo & Mr Reliable.

AFCON: Debutant. Last year was really his year. On the pitch, Singuluma could not have asked for anything better than; CHAN top scorer and Orange CAF Champions League winner.

But it is the off the field which looks have overshadowed his achievements. Before CHAN, it was easy to say 9/10, Singuluma would score from anywhere in the penalty box but this time around it’s not easy to prejudice anything.

At his peak, ‘Freedom’ is the natural goalpoacher alongside Mbesuma in that squad but he has to show that hunger he showed at CHAN to rekindle that tag as one of the hottest properties in Africa.

Trivial: Zanaco coach Wedson Nyirenda was his youth team coach at Nchanga Rangers.

Rookie defender Thomas Nyirenda has already won 11 caps.

Full Names: Thomas Nyirenda

Club: Zanaco, Zambia.

D.O.B: 28^th February, 1986

Jersey #: 19

Position: Full back

Nickname:

AFCON: Debutant. Nyirenda took his chance with both hands when Renard through into the mix of things in the 2009 Cosafa Senior Senior Challenge in Zimbabwe when he came on to deputise at left back against Namibia.

Since then, he has never looked back and has continued to impress even as a make shift midfielder forcing the Frenchman to choose him over Jimmy Chisenga.

Don’t be surprised if you see him in the starting line up tonight in the holding role.

Full Names: William Njobvu

William Njobvu was the architect of Zambia’s attacking play at CHAN in his favoured attacking midfield role.

Club: Hapoel Kiryat Shimone, Israel

D.O.B: 4^th March, 1987

Jersey #: 20

Position: Midfielder

Nickname: The Magician

AFCON: Played a game at the last edition against Cameroon. Many pundits thought he was going to be a starter in Angola after finally making his full debut in the qualifiers in the scoreless draw against Rwanda   but it now looks ‘Mr Tinkerman’ prefers ‘new kid of the broke,’ Nyirenda in midfield.

‘The magician’ has settled well in Israel and is one of the stars of the second tier division. He played at right full back in the rout over South Korea.

Full Names: Emmanuel Mayuka

Emmanuel Mayuka scored 5 goals in the month of December for his club

Club: Maccabi Tev Aviv, Israel

D.O.B: 21^st November, 1990

Jersey #: 21

Position: Striker

Nickname: Bomber

AFCON: His second AFCON finals. He was the youngest player in Ghana, two years ago. Mayuka’s progress in the last five months has led to comparison with Nigeria’s Yakubu who also was bred in Israel before moving to England.

Mayuka notched an inredible 5 goals in the month of December for Maccabi including a ‘banana kick’ winning goal against arch-rivals Maccabi Haifa which was voted goal of the month by the Israel media.

Maccabi Tev Aviv has opened contract talks to extend his stay to thwart any interest from clubs. He is rated at $1m at the moment.

Jacob beat off competition from Davy Kaumbwa for the right to be Zambia’s third choice

Full Names: Jacob Banda

Club: Zesco United

D.O.B: 11 February, 1988.

Jersey #: 22

Position: Goalkeeper

Nickname: Spiderboy

AFCON: Debutant but this will be Spiderboy’s fifth major championship he will be involved-2007 African and World Youth Championship. 2009 CHAN, Cosafa and Cecafa Senior Challenge.

He was also the same pair of hands as Zesco United qualified to Orange CAF Champions League group stages.

He is the only natural winger in the squad.

Full Names: Clifford Mulenga

Club: Mpumalanga Black Aces

D.O.B: 11 March, 1987.

Jersey #: 23

Position: Winger

Nickname: The Master

AFCON: His third trip to Africa biggest showpiece. In 2006, Clifford was earmarked by the Zambia press as one of the players to watch in Egypt after impressing in the qualifiers as an impact player but on the eve of the tournament in Alexandria, he twisted his ankle and failed to take part in any of the games.  This was supposed to be his tournament.

Two year later, fan power forced Patrick Phiri to name him in his final 23 squad but was sparingly used in Ghana. He was named the CAF 2007 African Young Player of the Year at a ceremony in Togo.

Again, despite being in fantastic form at his club, Renard continued to ignore the winger for over 12 months  but again due to public demand, Clifford finds his way…