Zesco United coach Zlatko Krmpotic has named his 18-member team for this Friday’s crucial 2017 CAF Confederation Cup Group C match away in Egypt against Smouha.

Missing from the team is defender Dauti Musekwa who is suspended after collecting his second yellow card of the tournament on June 20 away in Angola in Zesco’s 3-0 loss to CRD Libolo.

However, Zesco have been handed a big boost with the return of midfielders Anthony Akumu and Kondwani Mtonga who missed that match due to suspensions.

Also back is striker Jesse Were who has recovered from a thigh injury he sustained on 2019 AFCON qualifying duty with Kenya earlier this month.

Were returned to action over the weekend when he scored one of Zesco’s two goals in their 2-0 home win over Nkwazi in Ndola in a 2017 FAZ Super Division Week 14 match on June 24.

The Kenyan striker is Zesco’s top scorer in the Confederation Cup with three goals.

Meanwhile, Idris Mbombo will play no further part in the competition following his imminent permanent move to an unnamed Middle East club.

And Zesco depart for Egypt on June 27 from their Ndola base heading to Alexandria where they will face Smouha on June 30.

Zesco are 3rd in Group C on 6 points, two more than bottom placed Smouha who have 4 points.

Al Hilal Obied of Sudan top Group C on 7 points while Libolo are 2nd on 6 points heading into this weekend’s penultimate round of games.

Team:

Goalkeepers:Jacob Banda,Lameck Nyangu

Defenders:Ben Adama Banh, David Owino Odhiambo, Simon Silwimba, Marcel Kalonde, Fackson Kapumbu

Midfielders:Anthony Akumu Agay, Mwape Mwelwa, John Ching’andu, Kondwani Mtonga, Misheck Chaila,Kasashi Lupiya

Strikers:Jesse Jackson Were, Lazarous Kambole, Dave Daka, Patrick Kangolo, Jackson Mwanza