By Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 26th November 2025
Sichone Names 55-Man Provisional Squad for 2025 AFCON
Chipolopolo coach Moses Sichone has announced a 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with eleven players from the last tournament missing out. The squad, which blends youth and experience, marks the beginning of Zambia’s final preparations ahead of a challenging Group A campaign.
Among the notable absentees from the previous AFCON squad are Emmanuel Banda, Benedict Chepeshi, Tandi Mwape, Rodrick Kabwe, Zephaniah Phiri, Clatous Chama, Kelvin Kapumbu, Kelvin Kampamba, Rally Bwalya, Golden Mafwenta and Edward Chilufya, who is currently sidelined with a knee injury.
Their omission highlights Sichone’s intent to refresh the team and inject new energy, especially after Zambia’s recent performances across international fixtures.
Youth Earn Their Chance
The provisional list includes bright talents from the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup, where Zambia reached the last 32. Youngsters Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Salim Nyirongo, Kelvin Chipelu, and goalkeeper Christo Chitambala have all been rewarded with senior call-ups following their impressive displays on the global stage.
Their inclusion is seen as an investment in long-term squad development, with Sichone showing a clear willingness to integrate emerging talent into the senior ranks.
Katongo, Zimba and Sunzu Included
Manchester City defender Jadel Katongo headlines the group, bringing Premier League-level training and technical quality into the Chipolopolo defence. His addition adds depth and competition at centre-back.
Scottish-based forward Chanka Zimba is also part of the squad after a strong year with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, while veteran defender Stopilla Sunzu makes a return, offering leadership and experience ahead of a demanding tournament.
Israel-based winger Golden Mashata is another key inclusion, as is Frank Chileshe of Locomotive Tbilisi.
Tournament Preparations Take Shape
Zambia is in Group A, alongside tournament hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. The Chipolopolo will begin their AFCON campaign on December 22 against Mali.
Sichone is expected to trim the squad to 23 players before the CAF deadline on December 11. After the deadline, no replacements can be made unless due to force majeure, such as verified injuries.
FULL 55-MAN PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Lawrence Mulenga, Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune – RSA), Charles Kalumba, Christo Chitambala (Red Arrows)
DEFENDERS
Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic), Kapambwe Musonda, Headson Paina (Green Eagles), Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun Yatai – China), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain FC – Bahrain), Jadel Katongo (Manchester City – England), Chanda Chileshe (FC MUZA), David Hamansenya (Leganés – Spain), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Obinno Chisala (Al-Merrikh – Sudan), Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Benson Sakala (Bohemians – Czech Republic)
MIDFIELDERS
Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian – Scotland), Humphrey Bwembya (Kabwe Warriors), Golden Mashata (Hapoel Ra’anana – Israel), Kelvin Mwanza, Given Kalusa, Solomon Mpasela (FC MUZA), Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari – Italy), Wilson Chisala, Tinklar Sinkala (Zanaco), Frank Chileshe (Locomotive Tbilisi – Georgia), Kings Kangwa, Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva – Israel), David Simukonda, Abraham Siankombo, Pascol Phiri (Zesco United), Gift Siame (Leganés – Spain), Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Lameck Banda (Lecce – Italy), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha – Saudi Arabia), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg – Germany)
STRIKERS
Patson Daka (Leicester City – England), Jack Lahne Kalichi (Lustenau – Austria), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan – Israel), Andrew Phiri (Singida – Tanzania), Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco), Kingston Mutandwa (SV Ried – Austria), Abel Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka), Chanka Zimba (Inverness – Scotland), Rickson Ng’ambi (FC MUZA)
