Lusaka, Dec 25 (IANS): Zambian football chief coach Honor Janza has announced a 27-member provisional team for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations finals with the exclusion of 2012 winning captain Christopher Katongo.

Some senior players from the 2012 Africa Cup winning side, such as Jacob Mulenga, Collins Mbesuma, Joseph Musonda, Noah Chivuta and Jonas Sakuwaha were also not included Wednesday as the coach infused young players in his squad, reports Xinhua.

"Young players should believe in themselves. Football has no age and they should use this opportunity effectively and the senior players should also embrace them," Janza said.

Zambia are in Group B alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cape Verde and Tunisia.

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Daniel Munyau (Red Arrows), Toaster Nsabata (Nchanga Rangers), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos).

Defenders: Bronson Chama (Red Arrows), Christopher Munthali, Donashano Malama (Nkana), Stopilla Sunzu (Sochaux, France), Emmanuel Mbola (Hapoel Ra'anana, Israel), Aaron Katebe (FC Platinum, Zimbabwe), Davies Nkausu (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa).

Mid-fielders: Roderick Kabwe (Zanaco), Kondwani Mtonga (Zesco Limited), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, DRC), Chisamba Lungu (FC Ural, Russia), Lubambo Musonda (FC Ulisses, Armenia), Bruce Musakanya (Red Arrows), Nathan Sinkala (Grasshoper, Switzerland), Spencer Sautu (Green Eagles), Mukuka Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa).

Strikers: Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe, DRC), Emmanuel Mayuka ( Southampton, England), Patrick Ngoma (Red Arrows), Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United), Evans Kangwa (Hapoel Ra'anana, Israel) and Ronald Kampamba (Nkana).