Bakala Names 35-Member Provisional Squad as Zambia U17 Gears Up for AFCON 2025
- Chief Editor
- Mar 2
- 2 min read
02.03.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️
The road to TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 is heating up, and Zambia’s U17 Men’s National Team coach, Ian Bakala, has taken a major step forward by trimming his squad to 35 players. With the tournament fast approaching, the young Copper Bullets are intensifying their preparations, eager to make a mark on the continental stage.
Final Camp Before AFCON Selection
Bakala has been carefully refining his squad, reducing it from 40 players in previous camps to 35 as the technical team sharpens its focus ahead of the crucial tournament. The squad is set to regroup today (Sunday) for another training camp, where the final selection process will continue.
This squad reduction marks a crucial phase in the team’s journey, as Bakala and his staff assess the players’ performances, fitness levels, and tactical awareness to ensure that only the best make it to Morocco.
Zambia’s AFCON Group & Tournament Format
Zambia has been placed in Group A, where they will battle it out against:
Morocco (Hosts)
Uganda
Tanzania
This year’s AFCON U17 tournament, scheduled to run from March 30 to April 19, 2025, marks a historic expansion from 12 to 16 teams. The increased competition level means Zambia will need to bring their A-game to progress beyond the group stage.
FIFA U17 World Cup Qualification at Stake
Beyond continental glory, the U17 AFCON serves as a pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup, set for November 2025. For the first time, 10 African nations will qualify for the global tournament, increasing Zambia’s chances of making history on the world stage.
Full 35-Member Provisional Squad
Goalkeepers
Rodgers Simumba (Shamuel Academy)
Arthur Tembo (Kafue Eagles)
Caristo Chitambala (Nangweshi Pirates)
Kumbu Nyirenda (Billy Pro Sport)
Defenders
Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)
Orton Phiri (Morkverd)
Emmanuel Mbuti (Young Crocs)
Saviour Mwansa (Young Crocs)
Moses Phiri (Hamz Academy)
David Chiwisa (Relentless Kings Academy)
Charles Muonga (Maisa Academy)
Nevers Kandingwa (Young Forest)
George Mwale (Patdan)
Midfielders
James Nene Sibeene (Sporting Lusaka)
Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars)
Mike Mutale Bwalya (Makeni All Stars)
Gift Mumbi (Game On Academy)
Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA Stars)
Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth)
Nthasilwe Malupande (Young Crocs)
Vincent Mutondo (Central City)
Nkotami Chimwemwe (Mpongwe United)
Handson Zulu (Chawama United)
Godfrey Kampamba (OYDC)
Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco)
Terrence Tembo (Mines United)
Daniel Sulubonde (Mines Police)
Strikers
Abel Salim Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka)
Robert Banda (Atletico Lusaka)
Isaac Chisoya Muyuka (Kacha FC)
Joshua Chilufya (Mphande Youth)
Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu (Young Forest)
Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates)
Jimmy Banda (Collins Mbesuma Academy)
Emmanuel Chikwanda (Modern Skills Academy)
What’s Next for the Young Copper Bullets?
With the squad now down to 35 players, the next few weeks will be crucial. The team will undergo rigorous training and friendly matches as the final AFCON squad is decided.
The pressure is on, but so is the opportunity. Zambia has a proud footballing history, and these young stars have the chance to add to it.
Can the U17 squad rise to the challenge and secure a spot in the FIFA U17 World Cup?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Which players are you most excited to see in action?
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