Chipolopolo head coach Moses Sichone has announced a 41-member provisional squad ahead of Zambia’s upcoming international friendly matches against South Africa and Burundi during the November FIFA window. The team features a balance of seasoned internationals and promising local talents who have impressed in the domestic league. The friendlies are part of Zambia’s preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be held in Morocco.
Sichone has handed debut call-ups to several standout performers from the MTN Super League, including Zanaco forward Eliya Mandanji, FC Muza midfielder Solomon Mpasela, Kabwe Warriors striker Yoram Chanda, and Mutondo Stars defender Aaron Musonda. The coach noted that the selection aims to test new talent and strengthen squad depth ahead of competitive fixtures. The team will undergo a three-day assessment camp before the final list is trimmed prior to departure for South Africa.
Zambia will face South Africa on Saturday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium in Port Elizabeth before traveling to Bujumbura for their second friendly match against Burundi on November 18. The matches will serve as key tests for Sichone’s tactical plans and player combinations as Zambia builds momentum for the AFCON qualifiers. The Chipolopolo are drawn in Group A alongside Morocco, Mali, and Comoros, making these fixtures crucial for refining strategy and teamwork.
The coach emphasized that the friendly matches are not only about fine-tuning tactics but also about evaluating new players for long-term national team integration. With the blend of foreign-based professionals and local league stars, the squad reflects Zambia’s growing football talent pool. Established names like Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Stoppilla Sunzu, and Kings Kangwa headline the call-up, providing valuable experience for the younger players.
Full Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers:
Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)
Defenders:
Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Stoppilla Sunzu (Yatai FC, China), Yoram Chanda, Killian Kanguluma (both Kabwe Warriors), Aaron Musonda (Mutondo Stars), Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande (both Zesco United), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Obinno Chisala (El Merreikh, Sudan), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany), David Hamansenya (Leganes, Spain)
Midfielders:
Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), Given Kalusa, Solomon Mpasela, Kelvin Mwanza (all FC Muza), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Humphrey Bweembya (Kabwe Warriors), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Gift Siame (Leganes, Spain), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco FC), Kelvin Kampamba, David Simukonda (both Zesco United), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy)
Forwards:
Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Rickson Ng’ambi (FC Muza), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Pascal Phiri (Zesco United), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat, Israel), Kingston Mutandwa (SV Reid, Austria), Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco), Andrew Phiri (Singinda Black Stars, Tanzania)
Zambia’s build-up to the 2025 AFCON continues with optimism as Sichone aims to solidify a team capable of competing at the highest level. The friendlies will provide vital game time, assess new talent, and help refine the squad’s chemistry ahead of continental duty.