Flames striker Atusaye Nyondo and defender Lucky Malata have been ruled out of next weekend’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations’ qualifier against Mali due to injuries.
Despite Nyondo’s insistence that he had recovered from a shoulder injury he suffered against Algeria in Algiers three weeks ago, his club SuperSport United have told FAM that a medical report from the team’s doctor indicates that he still needs time to heal.
Nyondo has not played for his club since that injury and was only expected to resume training on Tuesday,
“I just resumed full-scale training yesterday and I am optimistic of being fit for the Mali game. I thank my club [SuperSport United] for all the care and attention,” said Nyondo who suffered a shoulder injury.
Malata, who stretched his hip muscles during training in the week leading to the home tie against Algeria, has also ruled himself out again.
“I have not even started light training because I am still undergoing treatment,” he said.
Sangala, who doubles as a player, also painted a gloomy picture on his availability, saying he has not fully recovered from a hamstring injury.
He, however, said Mozambique-based forward Zicco Mkanda has been recalled. DR Congo-based captain Joseph Kamwendo, who has recovered from a hamstring injury, has also been included while Chiukepo Msowoya has been dropped.
Other foreign-based players that have been called are defenders Limbikani Mzava and Harry Nyirenda, midfielders Robert Ng’ambi and Chimango Kayira, strikers Robin Ngalande and Frank ‘Gabadinho’ Mhango.
Key midfielder-cum-striker John ‘CJ’ Banda has also not been part of the group qualifiers due to a recurring ankle injury and is set to miss the remaining qualifiers as he still has some two weeks remaining to complete the healing process.
