Mutandwa Withdraws from Chipolopolo squad

Austria-based striker Kingstone Mutandwa has withdrawn from the Chipolopolo camp ahead of Monday’s crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco, citing personal reasons.

Mutandwa, who recently completed a move to Austrian Bundesliga side SV Ried from Italian outfit Cagliari, was expected to add attacking depth to Avram Grant’s side but will play no part in the Group E showdown at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

His absence comes as the Chipolopolo camp continues to swell with the arrival of several foreign-based stars. Israel-based duo Kings Kangwa and Kennedy Musonda, alongside forwards Lameck Banda and Fashion Sakala, joined the squad on Tuesday. Skipper Lubambo Musonda is also in camp but sat out the afternoon training session.

Meanwhile, Scotland-based midfielder Miguel Chaiwa and Denmark-based winger Edward Chilufya were expected to land later in the night, while midfielder Joseph Liteta of Cagliari will be the final player to complete the squad.

Zambia will be aiming to make home advantage count as they square off against group leaders Morocco in what promises to be a tightly contested encounter.