Italian goalkeeper Luciano Pasquini has been selected for the Zambian national football team for the first time, following an invitation from coach Hervé Renard. The 18-year-old, who currently plays for the Perugia team in Italy, will undergo an internship in India from November 19 to 30. To establish his eligibility, Pasquini is in the process of compiling the necessary administrative documentation to prove his familial ties with Zambia.
Coach Renard’s selection primarily consists of local players, with the team, known as the Chipolopolo, being the reigning champions and placed in Group C alongside Nigeria, Burkina Faso, and Ethiopia in the upcoming competition. The list of local players includes goalkeepers Davy Kaumbwa (Green Buffaloes), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos), and Luciano Sandro Pasquini (Perugia, Italy).
The defensive lineup features Jimmy Chisenga (Red Arrows), Chishimba Changala (Nkwazi), Salulani Phiri (Zanaco), Aaron Katebe (Hwange FC, Zimbabwe), and Chintu Kampamba (without club). Midfielders in the squad include Rodrick Kabwe (Kabwe Warriors), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural, Russia), Thomas Nyirenda (Power Dynamos), Joseph Sitali (Power Dynamos), Shadreck Malambo (Red Arrows), Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Kennedy Mudenda (Power Dynamos), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), and Lubambo Musonda (National Assembly).
The forward positions are held by Kangwa Chileshe (Zesco United), Evan Kangwa (Nkana), Moses Phiri (Zanaco), Lewis Macha (Zanaco), Reynolds Kampamba (Nkana), and Alex Ngonga (Nchanga Rangers).
