Lusaka, Zambia: Zambia’s Chipolopolo have unveiled a dynamic 28-man squad for the upcoming 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), blending seasoned internationals with a wave of domestic talents, in a bold move by head coach Moses Sichone.
Patson Daka, Leicester City’s prolific striker, will spearhead the campaign in Morocco later this month. Daka headlines an overseas contingent that includes Austria-based Jack Kalichi Lahne—who made an instant impact by scoring on his senior debut—alongside Joseph Liteta (Cagliari), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva), and Lameck Banda (Lecce).
Emerging domestic stars have also been rewarded for their stellar form. Matthews Banda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, and Eliya Mandanji have earned their first senior call-ups, highlighting Sichone’s faith in Zambia’s local football ecosystem. The youthful reshuffle continues in goal, with uncapped keepers Lawrence Mulenga, Francis Mwansa, and Willard Mwanza selected to compete for the starting jersey.
Preparation for Morocco
The Chipolopolo will finalize their preparations with a training camp in Murcia, Spain, from December 11–17. However, Sichone will have to wait until after December 15 for the full squad to assemble, due to the release schedule of foreign-based players.
Group of Death Awaits
Zambia faces a tough assignment in Group A, taking on tournament hosts Morocco (December 21), Mali (December 26), and Comoros (December 30). Despite the daunting lineup, coach Sichone is optimistic: “Our mix of youth, mobility, and international experience gives us a real chance to progress. The new faces bring energy and hunger, while our overseas players offer invaluable know-how.”
From U17 to Standby
Two breakout stars from Zambia’s U17 World Cup squad, Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo, have been named as standby players. They will remain on alert for possible call-ups in Spain, keeping the squad’s competitive edge sharp.
Squad Details
The final 28-man squad was trimmed from an initial list of 55, underscoring the fierce competition for places. The group includes defenders Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC), and David Hamasenya (Leganés, Spain), as well as versatile midfielders and strikers from both domestic and international clubs.
The full squad list is as follows:
Goalkeepers:
- Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
- Francis Mwansa (Zanaco)
- Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)
Defenders:
- Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China)
- Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC)
- Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United)
- Matthews Banda (Nkana)
- Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
- Gift Mphande (Zesco United)
- Obino Chisala (Al-Merikh SC, Sudan)
- David Hamasenya (Leganés, Spain)
- Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic)
Midfielders:
- Miguel Changa Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland)
- Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)
- Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy)
- Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel)
- Given Kalusa (FC MUZA)
- David Simukonda (Zesco United)
- Wilson Chisala (Zanaco)
- Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel)
- Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy)
- Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia)
- Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany)
- Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)
Strikers:
- Patson Daka (Leicester City, England)
- Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria)
- Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel)
- Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)
With a balanced blend of youth and experience, Zambia will be hoping to make a significant impact at AFCON 2025 and rekindle memories of their 2012 continental triumph.
