Image Credits:
FAZ & CAF
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unveiled the provisional squads for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, on Wednesday. In an unexpected turn of events, the Zambian squad, as disclosed by CAF, raised eyebrows by excluding Aime Mabika. Despite the defender's inclusion in the 55-member provisional squad announced by the Football Association of Zambia, his absence from the CAF list has stirred controversy. Upon closer inspection, it appears that a potential typing error may be the root cause of this discrepancy. The Zambia national team roster displays a numbering irregularity, jumping from '1' Toaster Nsabata to '3' Benedict Chepeshi without a designated '2.' This anomaly has led to speculation, leaving more questions than answers. Aime Mabika, who previously missed a national team call-up citing a family emergency, has yet to make an official appearance for Zambia, despite being issued a Zambian passport. It is yet to be established if Mabika declined the national team or indeed it was a mistake by CAF.
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