Zambia defender Kabaso Chongo will not be available for Chipolopolo’s away international friendly match against Senegal on June 5 in Thies due to pressing club obligations back at his DR Congo club TP Mazembe.
Kabaso confirmed to AF on Tuesday that Mazembe had requested that he be left out of the trip as the Lubumbashi giants make a final push to consolidate their top-two 2021/2022 CAF Champions League qualification spot.
“I will not make it for the Senegal game because we have a big game on Thursday and the coach asked that I be excused,” Kabaso said.
But his clubmate and fellow defender Tandi Mwape is in the 23-member team that leaves for Dakar on Tuesday afternoon.
Second-placed Mazembe have relinquished their DR Congo league title after a two-season reign to AS Vita who have an unassailable lead with a game left on 66 points and 70 points respectively.
Mazembe visit the third-placed Maniema Union on June 3 who have 60 points with two matches in hand.
Zambia will definitely miss their defensive star but the experience with Mazembe will come in handy as he will still be active at some level.
The game against Senegal will be extremely challenging as the Copper Bullets will be serious underdogs in this one.
Senegal is the highest-ranked African nation as they sit in 22nd place while Zambia is 87th.
