Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant has unveiled a 32-man provisional squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), with attacking midfielder Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba among the headline inclusions.
Speaking on the call-ups, Coach Grant emphasized that the CHAN tournament will serve as a critical part of Zambia’s broader preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the upcoming TotalEnergies AFCON Morocco 2025, highlighting his intention to create depth and continuity within the national team setup.
“This CHAN team is not only about the tournament in August,” said Grant. “It’s part of the big picture for Zambian football. I want to build a competitive squad with players who can grow into the World Cup and AFCON campaigns.”
Kampamba, who returned to Zambia earlier this year after a spell in Libya with Al Nassr Benghazi and later Al Madina in Tripoli, is expected to play a key leadership role in the squad. His return boosts the attacking midfield options, with Grant hoping to utilize his experience to guide younger players.
Also included are notable local league standouts such as Charles Zulu, Prince Mumba, and defender Dominic Chanda. Young talent has also been given a platform, with U20 stars Philimon Chilimina and Levison Banda earning call-ups, alongside Makeni All Stars striker Kenani Phiri, reflecting Grant’s trust in youth development.
The squad, made up entirely of home-based players as per CHAN regulations, will begin a local training camp this Sunday before departing for a pre-tournament camp in East Africa.
CHAN 2024: A Key Test
Zambia has a rich CHAN history, with their best performance coming in 2009 when they claimed third place. However, inconsistency has marked recent outings, with the Chipolopolo missing out on qualification for the 2011, 2014, and 2022 editions. In the other three appearances (2016, 2018, and 2020), Zambia reached the quarter-finals.
In the upcoming edition hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Zambia will kick off their Group A campaign on August 7 against Congo DR, followed by Angola (August 10), Morocco (August 14), and finally Kenya (August 17).
Coach Grant has made it clear that beyond results, the 2024 CHAN will be about evaluating and shaping players for future international duties.
“Some of these boys will be part of our AFCON squad, others will push for World Cup qualifiers. We must see who can rise to the occasion,” Grant added.
Notable Absentees and Inclusions
While fans may be surprised at the omissions of Lawrence Mulenga, Austin Muwowo, and Elliot Kampukesa, Grant’s selection leans toward form, fitness, and tactical adaptability. The door, however, remains open for changes before the final list is submitted.
Zambia will be chasing not only continental pride but also a record $3.5 million in prize money, a 32% increase from the last tournament.
