Zambia’s final squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations has been announced by coach Moses Sichone, showcasing a mix of promising local talent and seasoned international players. The tournament will take place in Morocco later this month.
The squad features exciting newcomers, including Matthews Banda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, and Eliya Mandanji from Zanaco, all earning their first senior call-ups after strong domestic performances.
Coach Sichone has also revamped the goalkeeping lineup with three uncapped keepers: Lawrence Mulenga, Francis Mwansa, and Willard Mwanza.
Leading the overseas players is striker Patson Daka, joined by Jack Kalichi Lahne from Austria, who scored on his debut last FIFA window. Other international talents include Joseph Liteta (Cagliari), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva), and Lameck Banda (Lecce).
Zambia’s final preparation occurs in Murcia, Spain, from December 11 to 17, with foreign players expected to join after December 15.
In the tournament, Zambia to face Morocco on December 21, Mali on December 26, and Comoros on December 30 in a challenging Group A.
Standby players Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo, standout performers from the U17 World Cup, will be ready to step in if needed. The squad has been finalised at 28 players after narrowing down from an initial list of 55.
Zambia’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers – Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco) and Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)
Defenders: Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC), Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), Matthews Banda (Nkana), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Obino Chisala (Al-Merikh SC, Sudan), David Hamasenya (Leganés, Spain)and Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic)
Midfielders: Miguel Changa Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Given Kalusa (FC MUZA), David Simukonda (Zesco United), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany) and Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)
Strikers: Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel) and Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)
