THE national team regrouped in Lusaka yesterday to intensify preparations for next month’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) finals in Morocco with Wedson Nyirenda retaining 29 players that include midfielder Augustine Mulenga.

Mulenga was doubtful for the CHAN competition as he was linked with a move abroad.

Several teams including Egyptian giants Zamalek are interested in the services of the Zanaco centre forward.

Goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata who missed last week’s training schedule due to family engagements has returned, while Zesco United striker John Chingándu’s knee injury has completely ruled him out of the tournament.

According to the list released by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) yesterday, Nyirenda has retained almost all the players that took part in the initial two-week training camp with an addition of under-20 striker Lameck Banda.

Lumwana Radiants midfielder Chanda Mushili has also been recalled while National Assembly striker Gamphani Lungu has been dropped.

Team manager Chris Chibuye said in Lusaka yesterday that all the players were expected in camp last evening.

“All the players are expected in camp this evening (yesterday),” Chibuye said.

The team is expected to camp in Mongu ahead of the championship.

Apart from the Mongu training camp, the team is also scheduled to play a friendly against Cameroon as part of the preparations.

The full team:
Goalkeepers: Kenny Mumba, Moses Mapulanga, Allan Chibwe, Toaster Nsabata.

Defenders:
Isaac Shamujompa, Fackson Kapumbu, Ziyo Tembo, John Mwangeni, Solomon Sakala, Simon Silwimba, Adrian Chama, Lawrence Chungu

Midfielders:
Augustine Mulenga, Donashano Malama, Kondwani Mtonga, Mischeck Chaila, Jack Chirwa, Larry Bwalya, Chanda Mushili, Godfrey Ngwenya, Ernest Mbewe, Mike Katiba, Jimmy Nakena

Strikers:
Lazarous Kambole, Friday Samu, Ronald Kampamba, Alex Ng’onga, Martin Phiri and Lameck Banda.