Zambia names squad against Ghana

African champions Zambia's quest for a maiden FIFA World Cup finals place got underway in earnest Thursday 17 May when Herve Renard named a full strength Chipolopolo to prepare for the two June fixtures for the world's biggest football festival which Brazil will host in 2014.

Africa's top national side plays away in Sudan on 2nd June when Chipolopolo face the Nile Crocodiles in Kahrtoum before taking on Ghana's Black Stars at the new Levy Stadium in Ndola on June 9.

Enroute to winning the Africa Cup, Zambia beat Sudan 3-0 and Ghana 1-0 in the quarter and semi finals respectively of the Africa Cup early this year.

Renard retained the bulk of his African championship winning squad which is led by skipper Chris Katongo. Thomas Nyirenda who missed the Afcon finals because of injury returns to the squad while FIFA U20 Canada 2007 goalie Danny Munyau of Red Arrows gets a call to join the team of Africa's best goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene and Kalililo Kakonje.

Aaron Katebe of Hwange in Zimbabwe wins his first Chipolopolo call after impressing in training and the international practice against Angola.

Roger Kola who has just joined top Belgian side Gent FC and Power Dynamos skipper Joseph Sitali also make the 26 man list.

Releasing the squad in Lusaka, FAZ Spokesperson Erick Mwanza said: "the coach has made the call and like we have consistently stated, the team will have the best preparations possible. Over the last four years we have demonstrated that and going into the tough world cup qualifiers, our commitment will be as president Kalusha has stated 200%."

"The training camp of the African champions goes ahead as scheduled. Added to the list, Renard has put on standby Jacob Mulenga and Joseph Musonda who may report if they are ready for the rigours of such tough and competitive matches following their recent injuries. Our appeal is to the football family, fans and nation as a whole to rally with the team and support the squad," Mwanza said adding "the road to Brazil will be tough and very difficult. We are ready for the challenge and will take each game as it comes."

Mwanza said Football House would be announcing other developments related to the team's camp and preparations over the coming days.

Full squad:
Kennedy MWEENE , Kakonje KALILILO , Danny MUNYAU .
Davies NKAUSU , Emmanuel M'BOLA , Stoppilla SUNZU , Chintu KAMPAMBA , Hichani HIMONDE , Aaron KATEBE , Nyambe MULENGA , Francis KASONDE .

Nathan SINKALA , William NJOBVU , Isaac CHANSA , Thomas NIYRENDA , Joseph SITALI , Chisamba LUNGU , Raindford Kalaba , Noah CHIVUTA , Felix KATONGO .

Jonas SAKUWAHA , Chistopher KATONGO , James CHAMANGA , Emmanuel MAYUKA , Rodger KOLA , Given SINGULUMA .

Story by Ghana/ Tony Bebli/ Joy Sports