ZAMBIA’S cash-strapped football team are expecting an injection of government support for their African Nations Cup preparations after a stand-off between the Football Association of Zambia and the sports ministry ended with the resignation of the association’s entire executive committee this month.
The team had an ill-fated training trip to the United States which they cut short because of a lack of funds and because almost all of their promised matches were not arranged.
Meanwhile, the hopes of the Democratic Republic of Congo have been hit by the refusal of top striker Shabani Nonda to play for them in the finals despite recently taking out citizenship.
Shabani, who was born in Burundi of Congolese parents, has told officials he wants to stay in France to help struggling Rennes in their fight against possible relegation.
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