Zambia striker Jacob Mulenga will miss the Africa Cup of Nations after failing to recover from knee surgery in time.
The Utrecht goalscorer sustained the injury in October, and his recovery from surgery has taken longer than expected.
Despite hopes the 27-year-old would prove his fitness in time to play a part, Zambia coach Herve Renard revealed on Wednesday that Mulenga would miss January’s tournament, at which his side have been drawn alongside Libya, Senegal and co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Group A.
“It’s hard not to be playing but I think it’s also very exciting watching the guys play,” he told BBC Sport.
Sudan-based striker Jonas Sakuhawa will reportedly take Mulenga’s place in the Zambia squad for the tournament.
Zambia are scheduled to meet South Africa on January 11 in preparations for their first match of the competition 10 days later.
- Soccer News Like
- Be the first of your friends!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
SoccerNews
Soccernews.com is news blog for soccer with comprehensive coverage of all the major leagues in Europe, as well as MLS in the United States. In addition we offer breaking news for transfers and transfer rumors, ticket sales, betting tips and offers, match previews, and in-depth editorials.
You can follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/soccernews.com or Twitter: @soccernewsfeed.