Defensive Duo of Musonda and Mabika Poised for Chipolopolo Duty at AFCON 2023
Defensive Duo of Musonda and Mabika Poised for Chipolopolo Duty at AFCON 2023
The potential defensive partnership of Frankie Musonda and Aime Mabika is generating excitement as both defenders find a place in Coach Avram Grant’s 55-man provisional squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast. Musonda, based in Scotland, and Mabika, based in the US, have shown promising chemistry in international friendlies, and fans are eager to see them in official action.
Despite receiving a Zambian passport, Mabika has yet to make an appearance in an official match for the national team. The upcoming AFCON tournament could mark his debut and the beginning of a defensive pairing with Musonda. The importance of Musonda was evident in his absence during Zambia’s World Cup qualifiers in November, where the defense struggled without his stability.
Coach Grant’s squad includes Miguel Chaiwa, who missed the World Cup qualifiers due to limited game time with Swiss side Young Boys. The inclusion of young talents such as Kingstone Mutandwa, Francisco Mwepu, and Peter Chikola brings a fresh dynamic to the team. Local talents, including U-23 national team captain Golden Mashata and FC Muza striker Andrew Phiri, also received call-ups.
The Chipolopolo Boys will commence their camp in Lusaka on December 26th, gearing up for the AFCON tournament in January, where they aim to make a strong impact on the continental stage.
