Zambia national football team interim coach George Lwandamina has named a 30-member provisional squad for the upcoming back-to-back Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 Group I qualifying matches against Burundi. The squad features a combination of foreign-based professionals and some of the most impressive performers in the Zambian domestic league. In-form Zesco United striker Kennedy Musonda, fit-again Red Arrows defender Zephaniah Phiri and red-hot Airmen midfielder Ackim Mumba are among the notable inclusions. Portugal-based forward Chanka Zimba has also returned to the national team setup after finding a new club, while Zesco United defender Gift Mphande has earned an opportunity to impress the technical bench. The selection signals Lwandamina’s intention to assemble a competitive team capable of collecting maximum points from the two important fixtures.
The Chipolopolo will face Burundi in two matches that could have a significant impact on Zambia’s chances of qualifying for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. Zambia will host the first encounter on 13 November at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola before travelling to Bujumbura for the return leg four days later. The two fixtures will test the team’s consistency, defensive organisation and attacking strength as the competition for qualification intensifies. Playing the first match at home gives Zambia an opportunity to secure an important advantage before travelling to Burundi. Lwandamina will therefore be keen to ensure his players prepare thoroughly and approach both matches with the right mentality.
The provisional squad includes several players who have attracted attention through their performances at club level. Kennedy Musonda’s inclusion comes after a strong spell with Zesco United, where his attacking contributions have strengthened his case for another opportunity with the national team. Zephaniah Phiri also makes the squad following his return to fitness, providing another defensive option for the Chipolopolo. Ackim Mumba’s selection reflects his impressive form with Red Arrows and gives the technical bench another midfield option. These players will be hoping to translate their club performances into strong displays on the international stage.
Chanka Zimba’s return is another interesting development in the squad announcement. The Portugal-based forward has been included after finding a new base, giving him an opportunity to re-establish himself in the national team setup. His presence adds another attacking option as Zambia prepares for two demanding qualifying matches. Gift Mphande has also received a call-up from the technical bench, providing an opportunity for the Zesco United player to demonstrate his abilities at international level. Competition for places is expected to increase as the players report for camp and prepare for the final squad selection.
The team is scheduled to establish its training camp in Ndola on Thursday, with locally based players expected to begin preparations ahead of the first match. Some foreign-based players are expected to join the squad when the FIFA international window opens on 9 November. This arrangement will allow the technical team to work with the available players while waiting for the arrival of professionals from their respective clubs. Lwandamina is expected to reduce the provisional squad from 30 players to 26 as preparations enter their final stages. The final selection will depend on the technical team’s assessment of player fitness, form and tactical suitability for the two encounters.
Zambia heads into the fixtures occupying second position in Group I with three points after two rounds of matches. Algeria currently leads the group with four points, while Togo also has three points and occupies third position. Burundi sits at the bottom of the standings with one point. The narrow difference between the teams means that the upcoming matches could significantly influence the qualification race. Zambia will need positive results against Burundi to strengthen its position and maintain pressure on group leaders Algeria.
The Chipolopolo will also be looking to make the most of their home advantage in Ndola. The Levy Mwanawasa Stadium is expected to provide the setting for an important encounter as supporters rally behind the national team. A victory in the first leg would give Zambia confidence heading into the return fixture in Bujumbura. However, the team cannot afford to underestimate Burundi, particularly with another competitive match scheduled just four days later. Maintaining concentration across both fixtures will be important if Zambia hopes to collect the maximum six points.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled to run from 19 June to 17 July 2027. The competition will bring together Africa’s leading national teams, with countries across the continent competing for places at the continental football showpiece. For Zambia, securing qualification would provide another opportunity to compete against Africa’s strongest sides. The upcoming Burundi fixtures are therefore an important part of the Chipolopolo’s campaign to reach the tournament.
The provisional squad also reflects the balance between experienced international players and emerging domestic talent. Zambia has several players competing in leagues outside the country, including representatives from Germany, Scotland, Italy, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Sudan, Libya and the Czech Republic. Their experience in different football environments could strengthen the team’s depth and tactical options. At the same time, the inclusion of locally based players rewards strong domestic performances and creates opportunities for new talent to establish itself in the national setup. The challenge for Lwandamina will be to bring the different players together and build a cohesive team within a limited preparation period.
The selection process has also been influenced by the availability of players involved in other national team assignments. Some players have been excluded from the provisional squad because they are part of the Zambia Under-23 team scheduled to face Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on 11 November. The Under-23 side is also expected to feature in a Heroes fixture four days later. Their involvement in those assignments means they are unavailable for the senior team’s current preparations. This highlights the demands of coordinating different national team programmes during the international football calendar.
The full 30-member provisional Chipolopolo squad selected by George Lwandamina is as follows.
Goalkeepers: Willard Mwanza and Lawrence Mulenga of Power Dynamos, Luka Mainza of Red Arrows and Victor Chabu of Nchanga Rangers.
Defenders: Mathews Banda of Bohemians Praha FC in the Czech Republic, Zephaniah Phiri and Owen Mwamba of Red Arrows, David Hamansenya of FC Slovan Liberec in the Czech Republic, Gift Mphande of Zesco United, Tinklar Sinkala of Zanaco, Ricky Chanda of Nomme United in Estonia, Jackson Phiri of Konkola Blades, Dominic Chanda of Power Dynamos and William Kamwanga of Mufulira Wanderers.
Midfielders: Lameck Banda of Sewhly FC in Libya, Gamphani Lungu of Orlando Pirates in South Africa, Joshua Mutale, Wilson Chisala and Owen Tembo of Power Dynamos, Obino Chisala of Al Merreikh in Sudan, Miguel Chaiwa of Hibernian in Scotland, Joseph Liteta of Cagliari in Italy, Ackim Mumba of Red Arrows, Kelvin Mwanza of FC Muza and Allan Mumba of Zesco United.
Forwards: Fashion Sakala of Al Fayha in Saudi Arabia, Albert Kangwanda of Young Africans in Tanzania, Patson Daka of Hamburg in Germany, Kennedy Musonda of Zesco United and Chanka Zimba of Vitroia De Sernoche in Portugal.
Lwandamina’s immediate task will be to prepare the provisional squad for two matches that could shape Zambia’s AFCON 2027 qualification campaign. The return of key players, the inclusion of in-form domestic performers and the availability of experienced foreign-based professionals give the technical bench several options. However, the team must turn its individual quality into effective performances on the pitch. Zambia will be targeting a strong home result in Ndola before travelling to Burundi with the aim of maintaining its position near the top of Group I. With qualification competition becoming increasingly tight, the Chipolopolo will need discipline, teamwork and clinical finishing to move closer to securing a place at AFCON PAMOJA 2027.