Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has finalised his selection for Monday’s high-stakes FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco, trimming the squad to a final 26 players. The preparations, however, have been hit by injury, with two key players, Frankie Musonda and Kelvin Kampamba, ruled out of the crucial Group E clash. As the team assembles in Ndola, the focus is now on ensuring the available players are in peak condition to take on a formidable Moroccan side.
Squad Trimmed, Key Players Sidelined
Bahrain-based defender Frankie Musonda and Zesco United’s midfield maestro Kelvin Kampamba were initially part of the squad but, following medical assessments, have been exempted from the Morocco assignment due to their respective injuries. The absence of these two players is a significant blow to the Chipolopolo defence and midfield creativity.
In addition to the injury-forced absences, coach Grant has also opted to exclude Abraham Siankombo, Saddam Phiri, Mwenya Chibwe, and Killian Kanguluma as he streamlines the squad. Despite these changes, the technical bench has a full complement of the remaining players, as all foreign-based stars have now arrived in camp, providing Grant with all the “arsenals” he needs for the assignment.
The Final Squad
The final 26-man squad features a blend of local talent and seasoned professionals plying their trade abroad, including some of Zambia’s biggest names in European football. The attacking line-up is particularly potent, with the likes of Leicester City’s Patson Daka, and Saudi-based striker Fashion Sakala both available for the encounter.
The team’s success will also hinge on the performances of its midfield and defence, which includes key players such as Lubambo Musonda, Kings Kangwa, and the talented Joseph Liteta. The full squad is as follows:
(GOALKEEPERS)
- Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune)
- Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
- Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)
(DEFENDERS)
- Kabaso Chongo, Benedict Chepeshi, Gift Mphande (all Zesco United)
- Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
- Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows)
- Obinno Chisala (El Merreikh-Sudan)
- David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain)
- Mathews Banda (Nkana)
(MIDFIELDERS)
- Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany)
- Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905-Czech Republic)
- Miguel Chaiwa (Scotland)
- Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy)
- Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva-Israel)
- Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech Republic)
- Emmanuel Banda (Maccabi Bnei-Israel)
- Gift Siame (CD Leganes-Spain)
- Lameck Banda (Lecce-Italy)
- Songa Chipyoka (Hapoel Petah Tikva-Israel)
- Fashion Sakala (Al-Fahya-Saudia Arabia)
(FORWARDS)
- Edward Chilufya (Midtylland-Denmark)
- Patson Daka (Leicester-England)
- Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan-Israel)
- Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’er Sheva-Israel)
Conclusion
With tickets already on sale across all Shoprite outlets, the stage is set for a monumental Group E qualifier at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Zambia, currently sitting third in the group with six points, will need a commanding performance to secure a victory against group leaders Morocco, who have a perfect record. The team’s fate rests on this crucial encounter, and every player called upon will need to be at their absolute best to keep Zambia’s World Cup dreams alive.
