Zambia FA calls off friendly match with India due to non-availability of players

NEW DELHI: Three days after officially confirming their availability to play a friendly match against India, the Football Association of Zambia in a letter to Indian Football has informed that they “regret” they won’t be able to play the friendly match against India in Doha which was supposed to be held on June 25.

‘We regret to inform you that our efforts to secure our professional players for the friendly against India that was scheduled for 25th May 2022 against India has proved futile. Most of the players’ season-ending matches are close to the scheduled date making it practically impossible to join the camp,’ General Secretary Adrian Kashala wrote to the AIFF General Secretary Kushal Das.

It was earlier on May 9 that the Zambia FA had officially confirmed their participation in the match which was supposed to be played in Doha on June 25.

“However, the Football Association of Zambia wishes to thank you for your positive response, and support and we appreciate the relationship built with your Association. We look forward to engaging you in future-friendly matches,” the letter further stated.

The Blue Tigers have been camping since April 24, 2022 – first in Bellary, and currently in Kolkata where the National squad will also be playing two more friendly matches – one against a combined All-Star XI from the I-League, and the other with the Bengal Santosh Trophy contingent. The Blue Tigers have already played ATK Mohun Bagan in another friendly match on May 11.

The AFC Asian Cup China 2023 Qualifiers Final Round will be held across three match days on June 8, 11 and 14 in 2022, with the group winners and the best 5 second-placed teams earning a ticket to the Asian Cup in China which is slated to kick-off on June 16, 2023.