Zambia's player to watch, rising star and one that will be sorely missed at the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
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Player To Watch: Christopher Katongo
Rainford Kalaba impressed in the previous tournament, scoring the winner in the Group A opener against Senegal, although he was guilty of missing a penalty in the 8-7 shoot-out victory over Ivory Coast in the final. Stophira Sunzu also etched his name in Zambian football history when he netted the deciding spot-kick in last year's final.
However, the player to watch is Christopher Katongo. The 30-year-old led Chipolopolo to AFCON glory a year ago and Zambia will again be hitching their 2013 AFCON wagons to their inspirational captain. The Henan Jianye striker scored three goals in the 2012 edition to help the Copper Bullets claim their maiden continental title. He underlined his value to the national team by making another telling contribution in the qualifying campaign for this year's showpiece, netting in the second round against Uganda.
Rising Star: Emmanuel Mayuka
Emmanuel Mayuka's career has really taken off in the last two years, culminating in a high-profile move to the English Premier League with Southampton in the off-season. The 22-year-old striker netted three times for Chipolopolo on their way to the previous AFCON final, where he scored in the penalty shoot-out success against the Elephants. Mayuka has already earned 39 caps for the national team, scoring 10 goals, while he has made seven top-flight appearances for the Saints this season.
Sorely Missed: Clifford Mulenga
Clifford Mulenga will be disappointed to miss out on AFCON 2013, having not featured for the Copper Bullets since he was sent home from the previous tournament after failing to apologise for breaking a curfew. The 25-year-old winger earned a move to SuperSport United from Bloemfontein Celtic during the off-season, but hasn't featured much for the Tshwane club and is hoping to make more of an impact in the second half of the campaign, and possibly force his way back into the reckoning for Zambia. Mulenga has played 23 times for his country, scoring two goals, but until he mends fences with coach Herve Renard he is unlikely to add to that tally. His talent is undoubted. He just needs an attitude adjustment.
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