Zambia coach Herve Renard has named his 24-man squad as the team get their Africa Cup of Nations title defence up and running in the beginning of September. Chipolopolo defied the odds in January this year to edge pre-tournament favourites Ivory Coast in the final, earning the African minnows their first ever AFCON title. The Zambians will now begin their title defence at home against Uganda in the first-leg of qualifying on September 8, followed by an away tie in Kampala on the weekend of October 12. Chris Kaunda retains the captain's armband, while FC Utrecht striker Jacob Mulenga, Israeli based midfielder William Njobvu, FC Porto left back Emmanuel Mbola and reported Queens Park Rangers target Emmanuel Mayuka were all called up. "We are fully aware of the significance of this fixture," Football Association of Zambia communications manager Erick Mwanza told SuperSport. "Our stated policy on preparing the Chipolopolo for competition matches is clear and has been very successful over the years. "The President of FAZ Kalusha Bwalya has repeatedly emphasised Football House commitment to giving he team the best possible preparations so that we can maintain the highest levels of competition. "We will be well prepared and ready for both games in Ndola and Kampala because our target is to go to South Africa for the defence of our crown." Zambia squad: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, RSA), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Danny Munyau (Red Arrows, Zambia), Davies Nkausu (SuperSport United, RSA), Emmanuel Mbola (FC Porto, Portugal), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, RSA), Stoppila Sunzu (TP Mazembe, DRC), Hichani Himonde (TP Mazembe, DRC), Lawrence Phiri (FC Progresso, Angola), Chintu Kampamba (Bidvest Wits, RSA), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe, DRC), William Njobvu (Hapoel Be'er Sheva, Israel), Thomas Nyirenda (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Noah Chivuta (Free State Stars, RSA), Isaac Chansa (Henan Jienye, China), Chisamba Lungu (FC Urals, Russia), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe, DRC), Felix Katongo (Primero Agosto, Angola), Francis Kasonde (TP Mazembe, DRC), Chris Katongo (Henan Jienye, China), Jonas Sakuwaha (El Merreikh, Sudan), Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht, Netherlands), James Chamanga (Dalian Shide, China), Emmanuel Mayuka (Young Boys, Switzerland).