CAN 2027 qualifiers: Zambia kicks off preparations

Zambia has kicked off its preparations for the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Head coach George Lwandamina has called up 28 players from the domestic league for an evaluation camp, laying the foundation for a competitive squad.

The 2012 African champions are determined to maximize their chances of qualifying. After a group stage exit in the last edition in Morocco, the Chipolopolo are approaching this campaign with renewed ambition to return to the spotlight.

A test squad before the arrival of the internationals

For this initial gathering, Lwandamina has opted to focus on homegrown talent. The selection is a blend of regulars, players who featured in the recent Four Nations tournament, and those who faced Argentina in a friendly. The Nchanga Rangers tactician, however, had to do without players from clubs involved in CAF competitions. The current squad will be joined in the coming weeks by Zambia’s internationals to continue building a strong core.

Four U17 national team prospects have been included: goalkeeper Christo Chitambala, fullback Jonathan Kalimina, winger Kelvin Chipelu, and forward Abel Salim Nyirongo.

A tough Group I

Drawn in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo, and Burundi, Zambia will kick off the 2027 AFCON qualifiers in September with a high-stakes away match in Algeria before hosting the Togo Sparrowhawks. This camp is designed to help the staff finalize the domestic core that will bolster the overseas-based players for these two crucial opening fixtures.

List of 28 called up

Goalkeepers: Mangani Banda (Green Eagles), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers), Bradley Mweene (Nkwazi), Christo Chitambala (Kabwe Warriors).

Defenders: Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic), Headson Paina (Green Eagles), Joseph Mulenga (Nchanga Rangers), Jackson Phiri (Konkola Blades), Frederick Mwimanzi (Zanaco), Tinkler Sinkala (Zanaco), Yoram Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), William Kamwanga (Mufulira Wanderers).

Midfielders: Kelvin Mwanza (FC MUZA), Given Kalusa (FC MUZA), Chanda Chileshe (FC MUZA), Humphrey Bwembya (Kabwe Warriors), Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers), Nduna Zulu (Nkana), Francis Banda (Zanaco), Dominic Kanda (Zanaco), Ian Sindaye (Zanaco), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Patson Kwataine (Mufulira Wanderers), Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers).

Forwards: Bridger Ngandu (FC MUZA), Abel Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka), Derrick Bulaya (Green Eagles), Rickson Ng’ambi (Green Eagles)

Nafongo TRAORE |

News Editorfr, ar, en

Nafongon Moussa TRAORE, Burkinabè de 25 ans, est passionné de football, est rédacteur pour Foot Africa et commentateur pour BurkiFoot.

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AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations