Chipolopolo reinforce their troops for Kenyan assignment

• Zambia include two pros in squad ahead of opening match with Stars

Zambia have included two foreign team-based professionals for the Orange Cecafa Senior Challenge Cup that kicks off on Saturday in Nairobi.

According to the Post Online, James Chamanga of Chinese club Dalian Haichang had been invited to the Chipolopolo squad that began residential training on Monday in Lusaka.

He joins defender Emmanuel Mbola who turns out for Pyunik Yerevan of Armenia as the only foreign team-based players on the side.

Chamanga scored a hat-trick for Chipolopolo on Saturday in their 4-1 demolition of World Cup-bound North Korea in a friendly match at Nkoloma Stadium, Lusaka.

The Herve Renard coached squad, already being considered among the favourites, together with hosts Kenya and highest Fifa ranked team in the tournament, Uganda, are expected in Nairobi on Thursday.

The Angola-bound Zambia will provide Kenya with a stern early test when the two Group A opponents meet in the opening match of the tournament on Saturday at Nyayo National Stadium.

Expected in camp

Harambee Stars continued with their preparations at the Moi International Sports Centre under Twahir Muhiddin.

The camp reported a near full house following the arrival of Petro Atletico’s Allan Wanga, Patrick Oboya of FK Banik Most, new call-up Alex Chona (IFK Mariehamn) and Jamal Mohammed (unattached).

Of the provisional 24-man squad named last week, only Francis Ouma of GC Tourizense in the Portuguese second division had yet to report to camp.

However, Harambee Stars team manager Edward Oduor said the 2008 Kenyan Premier League top scorer was expected in camp Thursday morning.

Uncertainty surrounded the availability of defensive midfielder Lawrence Olum who plays for Minnesota Thunder in the United Soccer League.

Could be overlooked

“We are still discussing his status to see if we can send him a ticket,” Oduor said.

Another player whose availability is not certain is Peter Opiyo. The up and coming Gor Mahia midfielder is in Germany for trials and will likely be overlooked if he does not return before Saturday.