Fashion Sakala Omitted as Grant Names Squad for Ivory Coast & Sierra Leone
Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant has announced a formidable 27-member squad for the crucial back-to-back 2025 AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone. The squad features a blend of experienced players and promising young talents, although notable omissions and injuries have also shaped the selection.
Saudi Arabia-based forward Fashion Sakala Jr. has been left out of the squad for these key matches. However, young prodigy Joseph Sabobo Banda, who recently opened his goal account for FC Zurich, has been included, highlighting his impressive form in recent weeks.
The squad also sees the inclusion of Israeli-based Chipyoka Songa and Nkwazi’s Kenneth Kasanga. Red Arrows’ in-form duo, Angel Lubamba and Ricky Banda, have earned call-ups as well, adding firepower to the attacking options.
Unfortunately, Chipolopolo will have to cope without Leicester City forward Patson Daka and AYR defender Frankie Chisenga Musonda, both sidelined with injuries. The absence of these key players could pose a challenge, but the depth and versatility of the squad offer hope.
Local-based players are set to regroup this weekend before flying to Bouaké on Monday. Meanwhile, the foreign-based players will join the team directly in Ivory Coast. Zambia will face Ivory Coast away on 6th September in Bouaké, followed by a home fixture against Sierra Leone in Ndola on 10th September.
Squad List:
Goalkeepers:
- Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
- Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers)
- Toaster Nsabata (Zesco United)
Defenders:
- Tandi Mwape (Zesco United)
- Kabaso Chongo (Kabwe Warriors)
- Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors)
- Stopilla Sunzu (Cangzhou Lions, China)
- Gift Mphande (Hapoel Rishon LeZion, Israel)
- Zachariah Chilongoshi (Napsa Stars)
- Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
Midfielders:
- Benson Sakala (FK Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic)
- Miguel Chaiwa (Young Boys, Switzerland)
- Obino Chisala (Costa do Sol, Mozambique)
- Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg FC, Germany)
- Kelvin Kapumbu (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel)
- Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel)
- Kelvin Kampamba (Al Nasr Benghazi, Libya)
- Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi)
- Songa Chipyoka (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel)
- Clatous Chota Chama (Young Africans, Tanzania)
- Lameck Banda (US Lecce, Italy)
Forwards:
- Kingston Mutandwa (Cagliari, Italy)
- Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland, Denmark)
- Kennedy Musonda (Young Africans, Tanzania)
- Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich, Switzerland)
- Angel Lubamba (Red Arrows)
- Ricky Banda (Red Arrows)
As Zambia gears up for these crucial qualifiers, all eyes will be on the team to see how they navigate these challenges and push forward in their quest for AFCON qualification.
