World Cup debutants Zambia have been dealt a heavy blow on the eve of their Group C opener against Japan on Saturday after key attacking midfielder Grace Chanda was ruled out of the tournament, team officials confirmed.
It is a second major withdrawal for coach Bruce Mwape’s side after first-choice goalkeeper Hazel Nali suffered a serious knee injury last week and was replaced in the squad by 18-year-old Leticia Lungu.
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Zambia team doctor Faith Chibeza did not elaborate on the reason behind Chanda’s absence, but a source told Reuters she had been hospitalised for treatment.
“Grace Chanda has been taken ill and unfortunately she is out of the tournament. We have done everything we can to help her, she is getting all the attention she needs but she won’t be able to take part,” Chibeza said.
