Kennedy Gondwe BBC Sport Online in Lusaka

Zambia will be without three key professionals for their opening Nations Cup qualifier against Sudan in Khartoum.

Germany-based Moses Sichone and Andrew Sinkala have opted out of the match citing personal reasons.

They join midfielder Gift Kampamba, who has ruled himself out after signing for Russia's Rostselmash Rostov earlier in the week.

"I spoke with Moses and he talked on behalf of his colleague Andrew. We couldn't agree on certain terms during the discussion so I can safely say they are out," he said.

Kasunga refused to explain exactly what the problems were.

Kampala camp

However, the two players earlier hinted that they were uneasy about leaving their club so soon after the start of the season, despite the fact that they would not be missing a game.

Kasunga said he remained confident that Zambia would emerge victorious against Sudan despite the absence of their most experience players.

The team has so far only played local club sides to prepare for the game, though two friendlies have been organised against Uganda this weekend.

The squad left for Kampala on Thursday, where they are due to meet up with the South African based duo of goalkeeper Davies Phiri and winger Emmanuel Zulu.

Team manager Solly Pandor said the decision of the three players would not prejudice their selection for future qualifying games.