ZAMBIA’S next home international fixture will be played at the recently constructed Levy Mwanawasa Stadium against the 2012 Afcon wounded Black Stars of Ghana.

The Chipolopolo’s first home international fixture as African champions will be against the Black Stars on June 8 in a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil qualifier. Zambia has been drawn in Group D of qualifiers. The group also has Sudan and Lesotho.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Kalusha Bwalya and coach Herve Renard have given the stadium facilities a double-thumbs-up after an inspection and hinted that this should be the place to launch Zambia’s quest for more soccer glory.

The FAZ president, vice-president Boniface Mwamelo and general secretary George Kasengele were in the company of Copperbelt permanent secretary Christopher Mutembo and other government officials when inspecting the infrastructure in Ndola on Friday.

The stadium is yet to be handed over to Government that has constituted a team to manage the modern facilities.

FAZ media officer Erick Mwanza said in Ndola that Kalusha is delighted with the completion of the construction of the stadium as there are some important international fixtures ahead.

“The completion of the works is very good for our game and comes handy with two important matches in June,” Kalusha said.

Renard said: “It is a fantastic pitch and the training ground is excellent.” Zambia beat Ghana in the semi-finals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Gabon and the Black Stars have reportedly since been itching to avenge the defeat to the Chipolopolo who went on to beat Ivory Coast in the final.