The Zambian national team has arrived in Goa to play two two friendly matches against a Goa XI and the Indian national team.

The Zambian team coached by Frenchman Herve Renard have settled quickly at their base camp at ‘The Zuri White Sands’ hotel.

The 20-member “Chipolopolo” squad and eight officials had their first training sessions at the Raia Ground and the Africans seemed to quite happy with the conditions at the venue.

Zambia will face the Goa XI at the Fatorda Jawaharal Nehru Stadium on November 26, before taking on the Indian national team at the same venue on November 29 as part of the Goa Football Association’s (GFA) Golden Jubilee celebrations.

“The training tour to India gives the coach and players more time to be together and to work together before the final Nations Cup camp is set,” Erick Mwanza (Communications Manager, Football Association of Zambia) told.

“Time together for the coach and the players is very important in football, especially as our Chipolopolo trainer looks to expand his squad and bring in new and fresh competitive talents into the national team,” he added.

“In India, we have at our disposal excellent training facilities and the added advantage of practice away from any distraction and an opportunity for international exposure and competition for many young players and other squad members. This is important,” Mwanza concluded.

GFA vice-president Elvis Gomes is expecting a great festival of football in Goa and he has been very positive on the ticket sales so far.

“We have received good response as far as sale of tickets for the Zambia ties is concerned as GFA is working hard towards ensuring that the stadium is full,” Gomes told to a press gathering.

Tickets for the Zambia ties are on sale at various outlets across the cities. Tickets have been priced Rs 100, Rs 500 (VIP) and Rs 1000 (VVIP).

The India vs Zambia match will be telecasted LIVE on DD Sports from 16.00 IST (11.30 CET / 10.30 GMT) onwards.

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ZAMBIA SQUAD

Goalkeepers
Jacob Banda (Zesco United), Kalililo Kakonje (TP Mazembe, DR Congo)

Defenders
Jimmy Chisenga (Red Arrows), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), Lawrence Chungu (Power Dynamos), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco United), Francis Kasonde (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Hichani Himonde (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Dennis Banda (Green Buffaloes), Stephen Kabamba (Kabwe Warriors)

Midfielders
Thomas Nyirenda (Konkola Blades), Nathan Sinkala (Green Buffaloes), Felix Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Joseph Sitali (Power Dynamos), Kennedy Mudenda (Power Dynamos)

Forwards
Evans Kangwa (Nkana), Reynold Kampamba (Nkana), Luka Lungu (Power Dynamos), Alfred Luputa (Zesco United), Chisamba Lungu (Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast, Russia)

Officials
Hervé Renard (Head Coach), Stanley Kaseko (Manager), Gipson Chaloba (Physio)