By SANDRA MWILA –
STRIKER Patrick Ngoma has joined the Under-23 squad but midfielder Bruce Musakanya is a doubt for the CAF 2015 African Championship second round first leg qualifier against Botswana next week.
Zambia was on bye in the first round and plays Botswana, who eliminated Kenya, next week Friday in an evening kickoff at the Labatse Sports complex.

. Simukonda

Coach Fighton Simukonda said in an interview after yesterday’s morning training session at the Heroes National Stadium that Ngoma joined the squad after attending trails in Israel.
“Patrick has joined the squad today (yesterday) after attending trials in Israel and I am positive he will have something to offer as we take on Botswana,” he said.
On Musankanya, Simukonda said the Red Arrows midfielder is a doubt for the clash due to a reoccurring hamstring injury.
Simukonda said Musankanya had joined camp but was being assessed by the team doctors if he can play in Botswana.
“Bruce is a doubt for the game against Botswana, he is in camp but still recovering from a hamstring injury,” he said.
The coach added that Israel-based striker Evans Kangwa has also been ruled out of the qualifiers as he is in the process of changing clubs.
“Evans was in our plans for the qualifiers but he will not be available because he is changing clubs and we don’t want to disturb him,” he said.
Simukonda said he will miss the services of Kangwa and Musakanya but will manage with available players.
“Yes, we will miss Bruce and Evans but there is nothing we can do, this is football and will work with available players,” he said.
He said the game plan might change but players available will manage to get a desirable result against Botswana.
The winner of this tie will face Ivory coast for a place at the finals in Senegal. The African Under-23 Championship acts as qualifiers for the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.