Mulwanda Calls Up 36 Local Players for U-20 AFCON Preparations

Zambia U-20 Men’s National Team head coach Boyd Mulwanda has named a 36-man provisional squad as preparations begin for the Egypt 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on April 26.

The squad, which consists entirely of local-based players, will undergo an intensive training camp before being trimmed ahead of the tournament. 13 foreign-based players are also expected to join the team in the final phase of preparations, provided their clubs release them for the tournament.

Zambia’s Road to U-20 AFCON

Zambia will compete in Group C, where they will face Senegal, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. The tournament serves as a crucial platform for the young Chipolopolo, as they aim to make a mark on the continental stage.

Despite the strong squad selection, Coach Mulwanda faces a challenge in securing the availability of foreign-based players, as the competition falls outside the FIFA international window. Clubs are not obligated to release players, meaning Zambia may have to rely heavily on the local contingent.

Squad Selection and Camp Details

The 36 players called up will report to camp this weekend, where the technical bench will assess the squad and gradually reduce the number before the final team is confirmed. Mulwanda is expected to focus on fitness, team chemistry, and tactical setups as he prepares the team for the tough challenges ahead.

Zambia’s youth teams have been making significant strides on the international stage, with the U-17 side currently competing at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Their qualification for all CAF youth tournaments this year underlines Zambia’s commitment to developing future stars.

Group C Fixtures – Zambia’s Path to Glory

The young Chipolopolo will begin their AFCON campaign in Group C, facing the following teams:

• Zambia vs. Senegal

• Zambia vs. Kenya

• Zambia vs. Sierra Leone

The top teams from each group will progress to the knockout stage, with a place in the U-20 FIFA World Cup at stake.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

(GOAL KEEPERS)

Levison Banda (Zesco United), Mapalo Chitundu (Kansanshi Dynamos), Eric Makungu (Chirundu United), Shadreck Kalyati (Kafue Celtic)

(DEFENDERS)

Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Mwenya Mwape (Zanaco), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Samson Ngulube, Charles Buyoya (both Kafue Celtic), Sekanji Siame (Power Dynamos), Emmanuel Lungu (Green Eagles), Musadabwe Mwanza, Danny Bwalya (both Nchanga Rangers), Whitson Banda (Napsa Stars)

(MIDFIELDERS)

David Simukonda (Zesco United), Perkins Mumba (Green Buffaloes), Humphrey Kabwembya (Forest Rangers), Moses Simpasa, Thomas Chisi (both Atletico Lusaka), Obvious Mwaliteta, Lawrence Banda (both Aguila Stars), Jackson Ngoma, Thomas Chisempele (both Napsa Stars), Tryson Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Emmanuel Mutale (Nkana), Ndonji Nkandu (Nchanga Rangers)

(STRIKERS)

Benson Kapeshi, Raymond Mwiinga (both Atletico Lusaka), Felix Banda Philimon Chilimina (both Green Buffaloes), Anthony Shipanuka, Patrick Simwinga (both Red Arrows), Pascal Phiri (Zesco United), Osward Katungu (Kings Academy), Eliya Mundanji (Kafue Celtic), Samuel Muyembe (Cayots FC)

(FOREIGN BASED)

Ricky Chanda (Riteriai-Estonia)

Gift Siame (Leganes-Spain)

Trywell Giwa (Luton FC-England)

David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain)

Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich-Switzerland)

Kelvin Phiri (Elite Falcons-UAE)

Aaron Mbemba (Cadiz-Spain)

Andrew Mulenga (Porto Victoria-Brazil)

Jaedyn Chibanga (Hull City-England)

Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy)

Bonephanseo Phiri (Lokomotiv Tbilisi-Georgia)

Frank Chileshe (Lokomotiv Tbilisi-Georgia)

Chuulu Johnson (Aylestone Park FC-Australia)

(FAZ Media)

Conclusion

Mulwanda’s squad announcement signals the beginning of an exciting journey for Zambia’s U-20 team, as they look to challenge Africa’s best in Egypt. The next few weeks will be crucial in shaping the team’s readiness, and Zambian fans will be eager to see how the young stars perform on the big stage.

With a rich history in youth football, Zambia will be hoping to replicate their 2017 U-20 AFCON success, when they lifted the trophy on home soil. Can the next generation of Chipolopolo stars rise to the occasion?