ZANZIBAR, Oct. 3 -- AS the countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup African qualifiers against Zambia narrow down, Taifa Stars Head Coach Hemed Suleiman has offered a candid explanation for the surprise exclusion of several high-profile players in the squad.

The match, set to take place next Wednesday at the state-of-the-art New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar, is a must-win for Stars as they chase their World Cup dream.

However, a few familiar names will be missing from the 26-man squad unveiled recently, raising eyebrows among fans and pundits alike.

Leading the list of absentees is veteran striker and national team captain Mbwana Samatta, who personally requested to be left out of the squad for the fixture.

Coach Suleiman confirmed the decis...