"Yes, we have correspondence from CAF that the two (Katongo and Chansa) players are banned for the first match."

"It is well known… the two will miss the Sudan match," Football Association of Zambia (ZAF) general secretary Fidelis Banda was quoted as saying by local paper The Post.

FAZ vice-president Kalusha Bwalya caused controversy last week when he said that skipper Katonga and midfielder Chansa were eligible to play against Sudan.

However, it has been now confirmed that the yellow cards both players picked up during CAN qualifications will stand in Africa’s showpiece.

Meanwhile, Zambia boss Patrick Phiri said he is happy with the way his side are training in Ghana despite the weather conditions.

"It’s hot and very humid. But we are happy we came here in time to acclimatize," he said.

Zambia will play in Group C along with defending champions Egypt, four-time winners Cameroon and Sudan.