Katongo to lead Zambia

Zambia coach Herve Renard unveiled a strong 28-man provisional squad for the 2012 African Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Grouped with hosts Equatorial Guinea, Libya and Senegal, Zambia face a tough route into the knockout stages of the showpiece tournament.

But Renard said he has big ambitions and is confident the team he has selected can help achieve them.

“I’m very ambitious and with this squad, I want us to do better than what we did in Angola two years ago,” Rendard told the Zambia FA website.

“So to be better means nothing short of a minimum of a semi-final is better. But overall, with this squad, we will be ready psychologically, physically, tactically and mentally.”

The Gabonese capital Libreville holds some tragic memories for Zambian football – it was the site of a 1993 plane crash which killed their entire national team and coaching staff – and Renard said it would be a fitting tribute if his side could reach the final there.

“It is our dream to win the Africa Cup particularly in Libreville where you know a great a part of our history was written,” he said.

“It would be fantastic for the memories of the Zambian team that died there.”

The squad has an excellent blend of experience and young talent, which the Frenchman says will bring a new sense of energy to the team.

“We have wonderful players and in it new revelations who can compete for the first eleven,” Renard said.

“Of course, I would have loved to have Jacob Mulenga and Emmanuel Mbola. But we have Mayuka to replace Jacob.”

“We have Mbesuma, Singuluma, Kola and James should recover as well as the young striker Evans.”

“But overall, the talents in the team should be good enough to play for each other.”

Zambia will hold their camp in South Africa ahead of their opening match against Senegal on January 21.

Goalkeepers: Kalililo Kakonje, Kennedy Mweene, Joshua Titima.

Defenders: Kampamba Chintu, Hichani Himonde, Francis Kasonde, Christopher Katongo, Nyambe Mulenga, Joseph Musonda, Davies Nkausu, Stoppila Sunzu.

Midfielders: Isaac Chansa, Noah Chivuta, Rainford Kalaba, Felix Katongo, Chisamba Lungu, William Njobvu, Jonas Sakuwaha, Nathan Sinkala, Justin Zulu.

Forwards: Evans Kangwa, Roger Kola, Emmanuel Mayuka, Collins Mbesuma, Given Singuluma.