MTNFootball

Zambia faces a big test against Uganda in a 2013 Africa Cup qualifier minus injured talismanic midfielder Rainford Kalaba. 

This will be the first time in exactly a year in another crucial qualifier that Zambia will be without their influential playmaker, who has a groin injury.

Kalaba also missed Zambia's final 2012 Africa Group C qualifying decider against Libya that ended goalless in Chingola on October 8, 2011 due to suspension.

Moreover, Zambia also face Uganda with a slender 1-0 first leg win on September 8 in Ndola.

The onus will now be on Isaac Chansa of Henan Jianye to step into Kalaba's shoes in Kampala in this critical match for the 2012 African champions.

Chansa, formerly of Orlando Pirates, had an outstanding opening 62 minutes in the first leg before he was replaced by Jonas Sakuwaha.

Herve Renard will also be banking on captain and Chansa's club mate Christopher Katongo, who has scored critical winning goals in Zambia's last two competitive matches.

Uganda are well aware of the prowess of Zambia's top scorer on five goals this year alone after finding the target in Ndola.

Meanwhile, Uganda are unbeaten at home since 2004 and coach Bobby Williamson is well aware of fans’ expectations as The Cranes hope to end their 34 absence from the Africa Cup.

"Teams have good and bad days and hope we don’t have a bad day against Zambia and we maintain the good home record," said the Scotsman, whose side beat Congo 4-0 in the last round in Kampala to overturn a 3-1 away defeat.

Key to Uganda’s cause at Namboole Stadium will be Mamelodi Sundowns goalkeeper Dennis Onyango. He had an outstanding game against Zambia despite conceding a goal.

Renard is well aware that his men must be at their best against Onyango after making some crucial stops from Kalaba, James Chamanga and Chansa.

And while Uganda will be banking on Onyango to keep a clean sheet this time, The Cranes must score twice without reply to eject Zambia, who need just a draw to qualify.