BAKALA ASSEMBLES SQUAD FOR AFCON PREPS

18.01.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️ |

Zambia U17 Men’s National Team coach Ian Bakala has unveiled a 40-member provisional squad to begin preparations for the prestigious TotalEnergies U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament, scheduled to take place in Morocco from 30 March to 19 April 2025, is an important milestone for the junior Chipolopolo, who earned their qualification by clinching the 2024 COSAFA U17 Championship title.

The training camp, which runs from 19 to 25 January 2025, marks the team’s first step toward ensuring a competitive edge on the continental stage. Leading the charge are Abel Salim Nyirongo, the top scorer at the COSAFA tournament, and Mapalo Simute, who was recognized as the best player of the competition.

The squad comprises a balanced mix of seasoned players and new talent identified from various clubs across Zambia, reflecting the depth of the country’s footballing talent. The preparatory camp will focus on tactical drills, team cohesion, and assessing the players' readiness for the challenges ahead.

The AFCON tournament holds added significance this year as it doubles as a qualification pathway for the expanded 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup. The top 10 teams will secure spots at the global event, set to take place in Qatar later this year.

Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Rodgers Simumba (Shamuel Academy)

William Zulu (Blaze Sporting Lusaka FC)

Jonathan Mudenda (Atletico Lusaka)

Arthur Tembo (Kafue Eagles)

Defenders

Otton Phiri (Morkved Sports Klub)

James Sibene (Sporting Lusaka)

Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)

Saviour Mwansa (Kafue Celtic)

Emmanuel Mbuti (Kafue Celtic)

Malama Chanda (Red Arrows)

Justin Mukuka (Air Power FC)

Moses Phiri (Blue Bullets)

Kelvin Simukoko (On On Academy)

Midfielders

Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars)

Mike Mutale (Makeni All Stars)

Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy)

Robert Banda (Atletico Lusaka)

Aston Chishimba (Atletico Lusaka)

Russell Kalumbete (Atletico Lusaka)

Nthasilwe Malupande (Kafue Celtic)

Vincent Mutondo (Central City Academy)

Gift Mumbi (Game On Academy)

Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA Stars)

Jimmy Banda (Collins Mbesuma Academy)

Nkotami Chimwemwe (Mpongwe United)

Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates)

Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco)

Gabriel Kaunda (Kingstone Academy)

Ben Chembe (Bristol Academy)

Blessing Kabwe (RM Academy)

Charles Mponda (RM Academy)

Kelvin Mulenga (Young Forest Rangers)

Charles Kampamba (Lilanda Boys)

Godfrey Kampamba (Red Lions)

Samuel Chisela (Vicrich Academy)

Strikers

Abel Salim Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka)

Mwiza Mpondamali (Vicrich Academy)

James Chisenga (BUSA)

Daniel Silubanda (Morkved Sports Klub)

Kaulu Mwelwa (Air Power)

With this promising lineup, the junior Chipolopolo are poised to make a strong impact at AFCON and set their sights on the FIFA U17 World Cup.