Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has revealed that the Chipolopolo Boys will this afternoon leave for Mali where they will play two international friendly matches against The Eagles.

In his President’s corner, Andrew Kamanga says the two international friendly matches will be used as part of the Chipolopolo’s continuous preparations for the 2023 Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March next year.

"The two international friendly matches will be used as part of our continuous preparations for the 2023 Ivory Coast Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in March next year," Kamanga said.

Kamanga has stated that the technical bench has been given the leverage to summon all the best performing players for these A-grade FIFA approved friendly matches. 

Kamanga however says the Association has taken notice of the inquiries around the absence of USA based defender Aime Mabika whose eligibility case remains in the hands of the state authorities.

He says FAZ remains optimistic that through its engagement with government, the towering defender will finally be cleared feature for the Chipolopolo. 

"We have particularly taken notice of the inquiries around the absence of USA based Aime Mabika whose eligibility case remains in the hands of the state authorities." 

"We remain hopeful through our engagement with government that they will finally clear Mabika to feature for the Chipolopolo," Kamanga said. 

Kamanga has urged all stakeholders to rally behind the Chipolopolo as they continue to work their way back to the top of the African game.

Zambia will play Mali on September 23 and 26 in Bamako.