Chipolopolo Boys interim head coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina has named a 28-member locally based squad for an assessment camp as Zambia begins preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.
The camp is aimed at assessing domestic-based players ahead of the September international window, when Zambia will begin its qualifying campaign away to Algeria before hosting Togo. The squad comprises four goalkeepers, eight defenders, 12 midfielders and four strikers.
MTN Super League Goalkeeper of the Year Mangani Banda headlines the four goalkeepers selected by Lwandamina.
The Green Eagles goalkeeper is joined by Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers), Bradley Mweene (Nkwazi) and Christo Chitambala (Kabwe Warriors).
Goalkeepers
- Mangani Banda – Green Eagles
- Victor Chabu – Nchanga Rangers
- Bradley Mweene – Nkwazi
- Christo Chitambala – Kabwe Warriors
Eight Defenders Selected
Lwandamina has selected eight defenders, including experienced domestic performers from clubs across the MTN Super League.
Defenders
- Jonathan Kalimina – Kafue Celtic
- Headson Paina – Green Eagles
- Joseph Mulenga – Nchanga Rangers
- Jackson Phiri – Konkola Blades
- Frederick Mwimanzi – ZANACO
- Tinklar Sinkala – ZANACO
- Yoram Chanda – Kabwe Warriors
- William Kamwanga – Mufulira Wanderers
12 Midfielders Called Up
The midfield is the most heavily represented department, with 12 players receiving an opportunity to impress the interim coach.
Midfielders
- Kelvin Mwanza – FC MUZA
- Given Kalusa – FC MUZA
- Chanda Chileshe – FC MUZA
- Humphrey Bwembya – Kabwe Warriors
- Elliot Kampukesa – Nchanga Rangers
- Nduna Zulu – Nkana
- Francis Banda – ZANACO
- Golden Mashata – Green Buffaloes
- Patson Kwataine – Mufulira Wanderers
- Kelvin Chipelu – Forest Rangers
- Dominic Kanda – ZANACO
- Ian Sindaye – ZANACO
Four Strikers Included
Lwandamina has selected four forwards as he assesses his attacking options ahead of the AFCON qualifying campaign.
Strikers
- Bridger Ngandu – FC MUZA
- Abel Nyirongo – Athletico Lusaka
- Derrick Bulaya – Green Eagles
- Rickson Ngambi – Green Eagles
CAF Representatives Missing
The assessment squad does not include players from Zambia’s two CAF representatives, Power Dynamos and Red Arrows, who are preparing for their respective continental assignments.
Players from ZESCO United are also unavailable due to the club’s ongoing pre-season commitments in Tanzania.
The absence of players from these clubs provides an opportunity for other locally based footballers to impress Lwandamina and potentially force their way into the squad for the September international window.
Zambia Begin AFCON Qualifying Campaign in September
Zambia will travel to face Algeria before hosting Togo during the FIFA international window running from 21 September to 6 October.
The two matches will officially mark the beginning of Zambia’s campaign to qualify for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations finals.
For the locally based players called up to the assessment camp, the opportunity provides a chance to demonstrate their readiness for international football and stake a claim for a place in the final Chipolopolo squad.
Conclusion
Lwandamina’s 28-man selection provides an opportunity for several domestic-based players to impress ahead of Zambia’s crucial AFCON qualifying campaign.
With the Chipolopolo set to face Algeria and Togo in September, competition for places in the final squad is expected to intensify as the interim coach assesses his options.
