2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers: Zambia Coach Plays Down Mwila Setback

Zambia national football team coach, Wedson Nyirenda says they will miss key striker Brian Mwila but have ample backup for Saturday’s big date away against Nigeria in 2018 FIFA World Cup Group B qualifiers.

Mwila, who is Zambia’s top scorer in 2017 with seven goals from eight games, will miss the Nigeria match due to injury.

“When Plan A does not go well, good coaches will always have Plan B in place and we had already prepared ourselves for any eventuality,” Nyirenda said.

Mwila sustained a knee injury in Zambia’s 3-1 Group B win at home on September 2 against Algeria in a match he scored a brace.

His injury saw him sidelined for the September 5 final leg that Zambia won 1-0 away.

“I think the replacements in Alex Ngo’nga and the other boys that we have brought into camp can do the job and do wonders for the team,” Nyirenda said.

Nyirenda depth of attacking options also includes Orlando Pirates striker Justin Shonga, Fashion Sakala of Spartak Moscow and Patson Daka of RB Salzburg.

Meanwhile, Chilfuya of Djurgardens in Sweden will miss the Nigeria game due to an administrative matter at the club.

The Zambia Under-20 midfielder is to be handed a professional contract when he turns 18 on September 17 just four months after he joined the club as an overseas developmental player.

Chilufya also missed Zambia’s September home and away dates against Algeria due to the same administrative hitch.

He joins Mwila and Emmanuel Banda who will both miss the Nigeria date due to injury.

Packaged by Lanre Olabisi