CHAN 2016: Phiri ruled out of Mali clash

Chipolopolo midfielder Salulani Phiri has been ruled out of the ongoing 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final Group D match against Mali after picking up an injury in Zambia’s 1 – 0 victory over Uganda on Saturday. Phiri was stretchered off in the 31st minute after he went down holding his abdomen when challenging for the ball with Erisa Sekisambu following a corner.

Team physician Dr. Joseph Kabungo revealed that Phiri had a bruise on his right hip and that he would not be available to play against Mali on Wednesday. Phiri sat out of the team’s training session on Monday at Mumena Stadium in Kigali. “He has a right hip injury and he is undergoing treatment. He cannot play against Mali. We will continue with the treatment and we will assess his progress going into the quarterfinals,” said Kabungo.

Meanwhile, Dr. Kabungo confirmed that defender Buchizya Mfune who missed the match against Uganda due to a throat infection had resumed normal training with the rest of the squad. Group D leaders Zambia who are already assured of a quarter final place after collecting maximum six points from two games will play second place Mali on Wednesday at Nyamirambo Stadium in Kigali. The other Group D match between Uganda and Zimbabwe at Umuganda Stadium will be played concurrently starting at 16h00CAT.

The winner of the tie between Zambia and Mali will top Group D and will return to Umuganda Stadium in Rubavu to play the runner – up from Group C, while the second placed team will be at the Nyamirambo Stadium to face the winner of Group C. The quarterfinals will be played on 30th and 31st January.