Zambia stretch net wide for players

Zambia have called up a group of 41 players, which they will trim later this week before they arrive in South Africa for their friendly in Gqeberha on Saturday.

New coach Moss Sichone has cast a wide net over possible playing talent for the clash against Bafana and another friendly on Tuesday in Bujumbura, where Zambia will take on Burundi.

Sichone has replaced Avram Grant after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign and wants to run his eye over as many players as possible before making a final choice.

Among the 41 are several local league players who have received a first call-up, like Yoram Chanda from Kabwe Warriors, Zanaco’s Eliya Mandanji, FC Muza’s Solomon Mpasela, and Mutondo Stars defender Aaron Musonda.

There is again no place in the squad for Sekhukhune United’s goalkeeper Toaster Nsabata, who was in the starting line-up for Zambia’s World Cup qualifier in September but then summarily dropped for last month’s final two Group E fixtures at Tanzania and home to Niger.

Also not considered is Siwelele winger Gamphani Lungu, who was last in the Zambia squad in mid-2024.

The 36-year-old defender Stopilla Sunzu, who was a member of the side that won the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012, returns to the squad for the first time in a year. He plays in China, where his club Changchun Yatai have finished bottom of the standings.

Zambia compete in the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco next month in Group A, where they meet the hosts, Comoros and Mali in first-round action.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

Defenders: Mathews Banda (Nkana), Yoram Chanda (Kabwe Warriors), Obinno Chisala (Al Merrikh, Sudan), Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), David Hamansenya (Leganes, Spain), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Aaron Musonda (Mutondo Stars), Lubambo Musonda (FC Magdeburg, Germany), Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic), Stoppilla Sunzu (Changchun Yatai, China)

Midfielders: Humphrey Bweembya (Kabwe Warriors), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Given Kalusa (FC Muza), Kelvin Kampamba (Zesco United), Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Solomon Mpasela (FC Muza), Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos), Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), Gift Siame (Leganes, Spain), David Simukonda (Zesco United), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)

Forwards: Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel), Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Elia Mandanji (Zanaco), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat, Israel), Kingston Mutandwa (SV Reid, Austria), Rickson Ngambi (FC Muza), Andrew Phiri (Singinda Black Stars, Tanzania), Pascal Phiri (Zesco United), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia).