Zambia captain left out of national football team

Lusaka (Zambia), Oct 15 (IANS) Zambia national football team captain Christopher Katongo has been left out of the team currently preparing for an African Cup of Nations qualifier against Niger Wednesday, the country's football governing body confirmed in a statement.

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations winning captain was left out due to alleged indiscipline while in camp, according to unconfirmed reports Tuesday, reports Xinhua.

While not categorically stating the real reason for dropping Katongo, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) said the move was a 'bold decision' to bolster team spirit and unity.

The statement said coach Honor Janza was trying to take bold measures for his squad that will face Niger.

"Janza intends to make drastic changes to the squad to face Niger on Wednesday therefore he wished to spare the blushes of the captain arising out of the possible omission from the team," the statement said.

"No player will be kept in camp as has been the case lately once the final 18 players have been named. This is to avoid negative energy that might emanate from players that will be left out of the team," it added.

Katongo was relegated to the bench during the game against Niger away in Niamey Saturday and only came on as a substitute in the 78th minute.

Local media reported that the captain was leading a faction within the team, a move that angered the technical bench.