Lungu and Liteta complete the squad as Chipolopolo eye Algeria

The pieces are falling into place. Gamphani Lungu and Liteta have arrived in camp, completing the Chipolopolo squad for the upcoming clash with Algeria — one of the sternest tests on the African calendar.

Lungu arrives in form and in confidence: the forward was voted Orlando Pirates' Player of the Month for August, part of a growing contingent of Zambians holding down places at major foreign clubs. His integration, alongside the likes of Edward Chilufya — newly loaned to Hapoel Jerusalem — gives the technical bench genuine depth in wide areas.

One name is missing: German-based Andrew Sinkala has been excused from camp by the Football Association of Zambia. FAZ has not detailed the reason beyond the mutual agreement, and there is no indication of friction — but his absence trims the options at the back against a Desert Foxes side that punishes defensive errors.

Fresh from the 2-0 win over Malawi, the mood in camp is buoyant. Algeria away — or anywhere — is a different weight class. This is the fixture that measures how far the rebuild has really come.