Zambia coach Moses Sichone has named his final 28-man squad for the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, confirming a blend of emerging domestic talent and experienced internationals for the tournament in Morocco later this month.
Sichone’s selection includes several notable newcomers, with Matthews Banda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, and Zanaco forward Eliya Mandanji all earning their first senior call-ups after strong domestic seasons.
The coach has also reshaped his goalkeeping department, naming three uncapped stoppers—Lawrence Mulenga, Francis Mwansa and Willard Mwanza—to take charge between the posts.
The overseas contingent is led by striker Patson Daka, who continues to spearhead the Chipolopolo attack, alongside Austria-based Jack Kalichi Lahne, who scored on his debut during the last FIFA window.
Joseph Liteta (Cagliari), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva), and winger Lameck Banda (Lecce) also strengthen the squad’s international profile.
Zambia will complete their final preparation phase in Murcia, Spain from 11–17 December, where Sichone expects to have access to his full squad only after 15 December when foreign-based players must be released.
Zambia will compete in Group A at the finals, facing hosts Morocco on 21 December, Mali on 26 December and Comoros on 30 December.
It is one of the most competitive groups at the tournament, but Sichone believes the squad’s balance of youth, mobility and international experience gives Zambia a realistic chance of progressing.
Two standout performers from Zambia’s recent U17 World Cup run, Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo, have been named as standby players and will remain on alert should injuries occur during the Spain camp.
The squad, trimmed down from an initial provisional list of 55 players, will now travel to Spain for a week-long training camp before flying to North Africa.
Below is the confirmed 28-man squad selected for Morocco.
Zambia’s final 28-man squad for AFCON 2025
Goalkeepers
- Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
- Francis Mwansa (Zanaco)
- 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)
- 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)
- Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)
Strikers
- Patson Daka (Leicester City, England)
- Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria)
- Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel)
- Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
