Road to Morocco: Ian Bakala’s 40-Man Provisional Squad for U17 AFCON”
The 2025 TotalEnergies U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations marks a historic edition as the tournament expands from 12 to 16 teams, reflecting CAF’s commitment to growing youth football across the continent. This expansion not only increases competitiveness but also offers emerging nations a platform to showcase their talent on a larger stage. For Zambia, this means navigating a more challenging group stage format, where strategic planning and squad depth will be critical to advancing to the knockout rounds. Additionally, the tournament serves as a direct qualification pathway to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, with the top 10 African teams securing berths. This dual incentive raises the stakes for Zambia’s U17 squad, as strong performances in Morocco could cement their place among Africa’s elite while propelling them onto the global stage. For Coach Ian Bakala and his team, the objective is clear: harness the nation’s burgeoning youth talent to deliver a campaign that balances ambition with tactical discipline.
Focus of the Second Preparation Camp
The upcoming camp is a pivotal phase in Zambia’s U17 AFCON preparations, designed to address key areas identified during the initial January training session. Coach Ian Bakala and his technical team will prioritize player progression assessments, closely monitoring improvements in fitness, technical skills, and adaptability since the first camp. Players like Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars) and Abel Salim Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka), who stood out in January, will be under scrutiny to maintain their form, while newcomers such as William Sukumuna (Mpika Youth) have a chance to stake their claim.
Tactical refinement will also take center stage, with drills focused on enhancing defensive organization, midfield creativity, and attacking efficiency. Bakala is expected to experiment with formations, including a potential shift from a 4-3-3 to a 4-2-3-1 system, to optimize the squad’s versatility against diverse opponents. Friendlies against regional U17 teams may be arranged to simulate match scenarios and test strategic adjustments.
Finally, the camp will serve as a critical evaluation period to narrow the provisional squad from 40 to the final 21 players. Factors such as consistency, teamwork, and mental resilience will weigh heavily in selection decisions, ensuring only the most prepared athletes represent Zambia in Morocco.
Provisional Squad Composition and Development Goals
The 40-player provisional squad reflects Zambia’s emphasis on nurturing homegrown talent, with players drawn from academies like Shamuel Academy, Game On Academy, and Young Crocs. This diverse selection highlights the country’s grassroots football growth, particularly in regions like Mpongwe (represented by Nkotami Chimwemwe) and Matero (via Charles Kampamba). Notably, the inclusion of Atletico Lusaka trio Robert Banda, Aston Chishimba, and Russell Kalumbeta underscores the club’s rising influence in youth development.
For goalkeepers like Rodgers Simumba (Shamuel Academy), the camp offers a chance to solidify their positions, while defenders such as Ben Chembe (Bristol Academy) will aim to prove their reliability in high-pressure scenarios. Midfield maestros Caristo Munkombwe (Nangweshi Pirates) and Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA Stars) will be tasked with dictating play, and strikers like Kelvin Mulenga (Young Forest) must demonstrate clinical finishing to earn a spot.
