In an exciting turn of events, FAZ (Football Association of Zambia) Secretary General Reuben Kamanga made a groundbreaking announcement to the nation. It was revealed that United States defender Aime Mabika had successfully been issued with Zambian citizenship, allowing him to represent the Zambian national football team. Mabika's absence from the recent back-to-back AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) encounters against Lesotho had raised eyebrows among fans. It was later discovered that the delay in issuing his passport by the government was the cause of his absence. However, despite missing out on those matches, national team coach Avram Grant displayed his unwavering confidence in Mabika. The coach included the talented defender in the provisional squad for the upcoming fixture against Ivory Coast, scheduled to take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on June 17. Currently plying his trade with Toronto FC, Mabika was yet to make an official appearance for Zambia due to the passport delay. However, with his passport finally in hand and just a few days remaining before the game, football lovers in Zambia found solace in the fact that they could now look forward to seeing him represent the national team.