Phiri has been forced to cancel this week's training camp

Zambia's preparations for this month's Nations Cup tie in Congo have been thrown into disarray after several players failed to attend training camp.

National coach Patrick Phiri was supposed to start work with his squad on Tuesday but cancelled the camp on Wednesday after only eight players turned up.

"Our preparations are in disarray," said Phiri, who had called up 17 local players.

In addition, a forthcoming friendly international against DR Congo has been cancelled because of the shortage of Chipolopolo players and for logistical reasons.

Both the match and the training camp were arranged as warm-up matches ahead of the vital Group 11 qualifier in Congo on 24 March.

Zambia lie third in Group 11, trailing group leaders Congo by one point after two games.

Phiri's task was further complicated by the refusal of Zambian clubs to release players ahead of this weekend's round of league matches.

Zanaco are refusing to release seven players until the Zambian champions have played the second leg of their Champions League tie against Tunisia's Esperance on 16-18 March.

Phiri is acting as caretaker coach for Chipolopolo while the Zambian FA looks for a new man to lead the national team.