Junior Chipolopolo Depart for U17 AFCON in Morocco

The Zambia U17 Men’s National Team has officially set off for the TotalEnergies U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to take place in Morocco from March 30 to April 19, 2025. The junior Chipolopolo left Kenneth Kaunda International Airport aboard Emirates Airlines at 21:35, fueled by ambition and national pride as they head for Africa’s biggest youth football competition.

Zambia’s Group A Challenge

Drawn in Group A, Zambia will face host nation Morocco, Uganda, and Tanzania in what promises to be an electrifying contest of Africa’s rising stars. Coach Ian Bakala has assembled a 25-member squad, carefully selecting a mix of talented homegrown players from Zambia’s youth academies and club setups to represent the nation on this grand stage.

Sending the team off, Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Reuben Kamanga urged the young Copper Bullets to carry the Zambian flag high and display determination, passion, and pride in every match.

“This is a great opportunity for you to showcase your talent at the continental level. Play with heart and make Zambia proud,” Kamanga said.

Pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup

This 15th edition of the TotalEnergies U17 AFCON is historic, as it has expanded from 12 to 16 teams, increasing the competition’s intensity. More significantly, it serves as the qualification pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup, set for November 2025, with the top 10 teams earning a ticket to the global tournament.

Zambia will be hoping to make history by securing a place at the World Cup, building on the country’s rich football legacy on the continent.

Zambia U17 Final Squad

📌 Goalkeepers

• William Zulu (Blaze Sporting Academy)

• Rogers Simumba (Shamuel Soccer Academy)

📌 Defenders

• George Mwale (Young Crocs)

• Chama Chansa (Young Crocs)

• Andrew Mwape (Young Zanaco)

• Saviour Mwnasa (Young Crocs)

• Christo Chitambala (Eromac FC)

• Billy Daka (Nkwazi FC)

• Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)

• Chimuka Lweendo (Atletico Lusaka)

📌 Midfielders

• Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA Stars)

• Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco)

• Steven Lungu (Morkved Sports Club)

• James Nene Sibeene (Sporting Lusaka)

• Vincent Mutondo (Central City)

• Nkotami Chimwemwe (Mpongwe United)

• Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars)

• Mike Mutale (Makeni All Stars)

• Kelvin Mulenga (Forest Rangers)

• Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates)

• Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy)

📌 Strikers

• Abel Salim Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka)

• Robert Banda (Atletico Lusaka)

• Nthasilwe Malupande (Young Crocs)

• Daniel Silubonde (Morkved Sports Club)

Zambia’s Road to Glory

The young Chipolopolo will be eager to stamp their authority on the tournament, with an eye on making history at AFCON and securing a spot at the FIFA U17 World Cup. With Africa’s top young talents converging in Morocco, the stage is set for an exciting and competitive tournament.

Zambian fans will be eagerly waiting to see how Coach Bakala’s squad performs as they carry the nation’s hopes on their shoulders. Will they rise to the occasion and book a place among Africa’s elite? The journey starts now!