Grant reveals why Fashion Sakala returned for Zambia World Cup qualifiers

Having played his last game for Zambia on January 24, 2024, striker Fashion Sakala finally returned to the team’s squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying fixture against Morocco in September.

While naming his provisional squad of 31 players, Zambia coach Avram Grant recalled Sakala, who plays for Saudi Pro League club Al-Fayha, His last appearance for the team was in the 1-0 defeat against Morocco before he fell out with Grant.

Explaining the reason behind Sakala’s return, the former Chelsea manager said as quoted by Bola News; “Fashion did something that was wrong, that he shouldn’t have done, but he called me a few weeks ago and apologised, and I felt his apology was honest.

“He [Fashion] said that he did something he shouldn’t have done, spoke against people that he didn’t need to speak about, including players, etc. I will not tell you what we spoke about, but he called, and as I said before, I am not the guy that has personal issues with anybody.

“The only issue I have is the team, and it was very honest, so we took the first step, and I believe in him, and I told him that I accepted his apology.”

He added: “He is a young man who made a big mistake, and he was out of the squad because of that. He apologized, and I accepted.”

Sakala is not the only player, who returned to the set up as goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe returned to the team and striker Patson Daka, who missed the AFCON Qualifiers due to injury.

The Chipolopolo will host Morocco on September 8 in a Group E fixture at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

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