Zambia national team have suffered a major set back ahead of this weekend’s crash against Botswana in the return leg of the CHAN qualifier. Influential midfielder William Njobvu and Power Dynamos captain Francis Kasonde are doubtiful for the match.

At Tuesday’s afternoon training session at Barclays’ sports complex, Njobvu and Kasonde did not take part and watched from the stands as their colleagues went through paces and drills.

Lusaka Dynamos ace, Njobvu got injured (knee) in the 1-0 loss in the first leg in Botswana and was withdrawn in the first half. ‘The Magician’ has missed ‘The Elite’s last two games in the league.

Kasonde who made his Chipolopolo debut in 2005 against Congo is still recovering from Malaria.

The duo were part of the Chipolopolo squad at the Afcon in Ghana and the most experienced players in the locally assembled side.

Meanwhile, Zesco United lanky striker Enoch Sakala is also making a steady recovery from malaria. But Sakala should be fit for match. Sakala missed ‘Zescolo’ 1-1 drew against Red Arrows.

On the formantion, Peter Kaumba and George Lwandamina tried different formations and as usual the tradition 4 4 2 stood out.

Green Buffaloes Mike Poto is expected to guard the goal posts. After being dropped for the first leg, Hichani Himoonde is expected to get the nod ahead of Dennis Banda, Sanida Zulu and impressive Whiteson Simwanza-with one of the trio vying for the right to partner ‘The Undertaker’ while Clive Sichiondwe and William Chinyama should complete the defensive unit.

The flair of the wingers; Kennedy Mudenda, Judge M’kandawire, Chisamba Lungu and Lyainga Chiwanki is giving Kaumba a headache as who should start on the flanks.

With Njobvu and Kasonde doubtiful, the coach tried the partnership of Kabwe Warriors’ centre back, Brosman Chama and Zesco united’ Lottie Phiri but 18 year old Stophira ‘The Walldrobe’ Sunzu looked lively and outstanding on the other side (team B). Sunzu partnered Roan United’s combative Moses Kapayi.

Green Buffaloes’ Sebastian Mwansa and Timothy are the options in midfield though both are attacking.

Upfront, red-hot Roger Kola and Emmanue Mayuka are set to rekindle their World Youth Cup strike partnership with Reuben Tembo the other available option if Sakala fails to recover.

Mayuka who has just returned from a two weeks trials at Portuguse side Sporting Lisbon looked sharp but has decided to stay mute over the outcome of his trials though rumours are suggesting that the 17 year old impressed the Portuguese.