The Zambia Under-20 Men’s National Team has officially kicked off its preparations for the upcoming Côte d’Ivoire 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with head coach Boyd Mulwanda naming a provisional squad of 38 players. The team, which regrouped in Lusaka yesterday, comprises a mix of familiar faces who played a pivotal role in securing Zambia’s qualification for the prestigious tournament and fresh talents aimed at strengthening the squad for the continental competition.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place from April 26 to May 18 in Côte d’Ivoire, and Mulwanda is focused on assembling a competitive squad capable of making a significant impact on the continental stage. Many of the players in the provisional squad were part of the team’s successful qualification campaign and are now tasked with taking Zambia to the next level at the tournament.
Coach Mulwanda, while acknowledging the importance of the core players who helped Zambia secure their spot in the competition, has introduced new faces to the squad. These additions are intended to inject fresh energy into the team and ensure depth and balance as the team gears up for the challenges ahead. The inclusion of new players also signals Mulwanda’s commitment to building a squad that is versatile, competitive, and capable of handling the high stakes of the AFCON.
The local-based players have already begun their training sessions in Lusaka, with the technical bench carefully monitoring the progress of foreign-based players. These international players, who are expected to join the squad in the final stages of preparations, will bring added experience and skill to the team. The integration of both local and foreign-based players is seen as a critical element of Zambia’s strategy for success in the tournament.
The Zambia Under-20 team has a rich history of performing well on the continental stage, and with a mixture of experienced players and new talent, expectations are high for the team’s upcoming campaign. The squad’s focus will be on preparing physically and mentally for the challenges of the AFCON, with the goal of advancing deep into the tournament and showcasing the strength and talent of Zambian youth football.
As the team continues its preparations, all eyes will be on Coach Mulwanda and his squad as they aim to make a statement at the Côte d’Ivoire 2025 AFCON, with hopes of bringing pride and glory to Zambia on the continental stage.