The Zambia U17 Men’s National Team coach Ian Bakala has named a 35-member provisional squad for the latest training camp as preparations for the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 gather momentum. The team, which has been trimmed from 40 players in the previous two camps, will regroup on Sunday (today) as the technical bench works on fine-tuning the squad ahead of the continental tournament.

Zambia will compete in Group A of the U17 AFCON, facing hosts Morocco, Uganda, and Tanzania in what promises to be a highly competitive group. The tournament is set to take place from March 30 to April 19, 2025, marking the 15th edition of the competition. Notably, this year’s edition has been expanded from 12 to 16 teams, providing more opportunities for young African talents to showcase their skills on a bigger stage.

Beyond continental glory, the U17 AFCON serves as a pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup, which will be held in November 2025. The stakes are high, as the top 10 African teams will secure qualification for the global event. With Zambia aiming for a historic appearance at the World Cup, the upcoming training camps will be crucial in shaping a competitive squad.

35-Member Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers:

• Rodgers Simumba (Shamuel Academy)
• Arthur Tembo (Kafue Eagles)
• Caristo Chitambala (Nangweshi Pirates)
• Kumbu Nyirenda (Billy Pro Sport)

Defenders:

• Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)
• Orton Phiri (Morkverd)
• Emmanuel Mbuti (Young Crocs)
• Saviour Mwansa (Young Crocs)
• Moses Phiri (Hamz Academy)
• David Chiwisa (Relentless Kings Academy)
• Charles Muonga (Maisa Academy)
• Nevers Kandingwa (Young Forest)
• George Mwale (Patdan)

Midfielders:

• James Nene Sibeene (Sporting Lusaka)
• Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars)
• Mike Mutale Bwalya (Makeni All Stars)
• Gift Mumbi (Game On Academy)
• Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA Stars)
• Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth)
• Nthasilwe Malupande (Young Crocs)
• Vincent Mutondo (Central City)
• Nkotami Chimwemwe (Mpongwe United)
• Handson Zulu (Chawama United)
• Godfrey Kampamba (OYDC)
• Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco)
• Terrence Tembo (Mines United)
• Daniel Sulubonde (Mines Police)

Strikers:

• Abel Salim Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka)
• Robert Banda (Atletico Lusaka)
• Isaac Chisoya Muyuka (Kacha FC)
• Joshua Chilufya (Mphande Youth)
• Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu (Young Forest)
• Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates)
• Jimmy Banda (Collins Mbesuma Academy)
• Emmanuel Chikwanda (Modern Skills Academy)

Road to Morocco 2025

Zambia’s preparations for AFCON U17 are gaining pace as the coaching staff refines the squad in search of the perfect balance. With a mix of talented goalkeepers, solid defenders, creative midfielders, and clinical strikers, the Young Chipolopolo will be aiming to make a strong statement in Morocco.

The upcoming training camp will be instrumental in evaluating player performances, working on tactical cohesion, and ensuring that the team is well-prepared for the group stage battles against Morocco, Uganda, and Tanzania. The focus will be on fitness, team chemistry, and sharpening attacking and defensive strategies as Zambia aims to progress beyond the group stages.

Final Squad Selection & Tournament Hopes

From this 35-man squad, Coach Ian Bakala and his technical team will eventually trim the squad to a final list that will travel to Morocco for the tournament. The selection process will be competitive, as players will need to prove themselves during training to secure a spot in the final squad.

With the dream of qualifying for the FIFA U17 World Cup, the Young Chipolopolo are determined to put up a strong performance in AFCON U17 2025. Fans will be eager to see which players make the final cut and how Zambia performs on the big stage.