Zambia’s preparations for Monday’s crucial FIFA World Cup Group E qualifier against Morocco have suffered a setback after Frankie Musonda and Kelvin Kampamba were ruled out due to injury.
The Bahrain-based Musonda and Zesco United’s Kampamba were part of coach Avram Grant’s initial squad but were exempted from the assignment at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola following medical assessments. The two join a growing list of absentees that also includes Abraham Siankombo, Saddam Phiri, Mwenya Chibwe, and Killian Kanguluma.
Grant Trims Squad to 26
With the injury setbacks, Grant has trimmed the provisional squad to 26 players and is expected to finalise a 24-man squad before matchday. Despite the withdrawals, the camp remains upbeat, with all summoned players now in Ndola as Zambia fine-tune preparations.
Full Squad List
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-Saudi Arabia)
Forwards:
Edward Chilufya (Midtylland-Denmark), Patson Daka (Leicester-England), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan-Israel), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’er Sheva-Israel)
Fans Gear Up for High-Stakes Clash
The encounter against Morocco is viewed as one of Zambia’s toughest tests in the qualifiers. With both teams boasting top European-based talent, the match promises fireworks in Ndola.
Tickets are already on sale at Shoprite outlets nationwide, priced at K30 (Early Bird), K50 (North & South), K100 (East), K150 (West), and K300 (VIP).
The Chipolopolo faithful are expected to turn up in numbers to rally behind Grant’s charges as they look to boost their chances of reaching the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
