Zambia’s preparations for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Morocco have received a massive boost following the return of Saudi Arabia-based forward Fashion Sakala to the national team. The Chipolopolo talisman has been recalled for the first time since January 2024, after falling out with head coach Avram Grant earlier this year. His inclusion signals renewed hope for the Copper Bullets ahead of their high-stakes clash at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on September 8th.
Fashion Sakala Headlines Key Comebacks
Sakala’s last outing for Zambia came in the 1-0 loss to Morocco on January 24, 2024, but his explosive form in Saudi Arabia has forced his way back into Grant’s plans. Alongside him, goalkeeper Mwenya Chibwe also makes his return, bolstering the goalkeeping department. Striker Patson Daka, who missed the AFCON qualifiers due to injury, has also been recalled, strengthening the attack.
CHAN Players Rewarded Despite Poor Outing
Despite Zambia’s disastrous outing at the African Nations Championship (CHAN), where the team underperformed, Grant has kept faith in some of the home-based stars. Mathews Banda, Benedict Chepeshi, Kelvin Mubanga Kampamba, Dominic Chanda, and Charles Kalumba have all been included in the provisional 31-man squad. This decision has sparked debate, with some fans welcoming continuity while others question whether CHAN’s underwhelming performers can rise to the challenge against Africa’s top-ranked side.
Fresh Blood for the Future
The squad also features an injection of youth, with Gift Siame, David Hamansenya, and Joseph Liteta earning call-ups. Their inclusion reflects Grant’s long-term vision of blending experience with fresh energy. Many fans see this as a chance for the young guns to learn from senior players while gradually staking their claim for permanent roles in the Chipolopolo setup.
Regulars Maintain Their Spot
Familiar names such as Kings Kangwa, Emmanuel Banda, Frankie Musonda, Kennedy Musonda, Lameck Banda, and Obino Chisala remain ever-present, forming the core of the team. With these regulars providing stability, Zambia’s squad appears balanced with a mix of experience, returnees, and rising stars.
Group Standing: Morocco in Control, Zambia Chasing
Zambia currently sit on six points, having beaten Congo Brazzaville and been awarded free points after FIFA suspended Congo over third-party interference in Fecofoot’s operations. Morocco, however, remain the group leaders with a perfect record—15 points from five games. This sets up a decisive encounter in Ndola, where Chipolopolo must be at their best to keep their qualification hopes alive.
CHIPOLOPOLO 31-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD
(GOALKEEPERS)
Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Mwenya Chibwe (Zesco United)
(DEFENDERS)
Frankie Musonda (AYR United-Scotland), Kabaso Chongo, Benedict Chepeshi, Gift Mphande (all Zesco United), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Obino Chisala (El Merreikh-Sudan), David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain), Mathews Banda (Nkana)
(MIDFIELDERS)
Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905-Czech Republic), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian-Scotland), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy), Kings Kangwa, Joseph Sabobo Banda (both Hapoel Be’er Sheva-Israel), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech Republic), Kelvin Kampamba, Abraham Siankombo (Zesco United), Emmanuel Banda (Maccabi Bnei-Israel), Gift Siame (CD Leganes-Spain), Saddam Phiri (Red Arrows), Lameck Banda (Lecce-Italy), Songa Chipyoka (Hapoel Petah Tikva-Israel)
(FORWARDS)
Kingstone Mutandwa (SV Ried-Austria), Edward Chilufya (Midtylland-Denmark), Patson Daka (Leicester-England), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan-Israel), Fashion Sakala (Al-Fayha FC-Saudi Arabia)
Conclusion
The return of Fashion Sakala and Patson Daka could prove decisive as Zambia gear up for a monumental clash against Morocco. With Morocco boasting an unbeaten record and sitting comfortably atop the group, the Chipolopolo will need to combine youthful energy, experienced regulars, and the firepower of their returning stars to stand a chance. September 8th promises to be a defining day for Zambia’s World Cup journey.
