Without stating whether they will fully approve the K9 million budget the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) submitted, Government has agreed to bear the costs for the under-23 national team’s outing to Egypt.

Ministry of Sport permanent secretary Joel Kapembwa revealed in Lusaka yesterday that the state will pay for the travel costs, accommodation and allowances for the under-23 national team at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

Kapembwa, however could not disclose the actual amount government will spend on the team.
“FAZ submitted the budget to the Ministry. We will provide travel expenses, accommodation and allowances for the team,” he said.

The team is expected to leave for Egypt tomorrow.

And Kapembwa urged the team to work hard and make the country proud saying Zambians are expectant.

Meanwhile, the Austria-based duo of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu will miss Zambia’s first match against South Africa due to club commitments.

Zambia will open the Africa Cup campaign on November 9.

Belgium-based striker Fashion Sakala will also miss the opening match because of his suspension.
The trio is expected to join the team in Egypt on November 10.

Zambia is in group B with South Africa, Nigeria and Ivory Coast while group A consists hosts Egypt, Mali, Ghana and Cameroon.

The top three teams will qualify to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.