Grant Names 26-Member Provisional Squad for Back-to-Back World Cup Clashes

01.10.2025 | Football DNA ⚽️

Zambia National Team

Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant has unveiled a 26-man provisional squad ahead of Zambia’s crucial back-to-back Group E FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Tanzania and Niger.

The Israeli tactician has largely maintained the core of the squad that faced Morocco earlier in September, while also giving opportunities to several promising youngsters.

Fresh Faces and Key Returns

One of the notable inclusions is Nkana’s in-form goalkeeper Patrick Chooma, who earns his maiden national team call-up. Young talents Mathews Banda, Gift Siame, Joseph Sabobo Banda, Miguel Chaiwa, Gift Mphande, and David Hamasenya have also been drafted in, signaling Grant’s intent to build for the future.

Meanwhile, Tanzania-based playmaker Clatous Chama makes a return to the fold, boosting Zambia’s attacking options ahead of the decisive fixtures.

Balancing Experience and Youth

The provisional squad is a blend of foreign-based stars and local league performers. With Zambia also preparing for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set for December, these qualifiers present an opportunity for the technical bench to fine-tune the team’s shape and depth.

Chipolopolo will first travel to Zanzibar for a showdown with Tanzania on Wednesday, October 8 at the Amani Stadium before returning home to host Niger on October 12 in Ndola.

Tickets for the Niger clash are already available for purchase across all Shoprite outlets nationwide.

Zambia Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers

Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)

Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)

Patrick Chooma (Nkana)

Defenders

Mathews Banda (Nkana)

Frankie Musonda (Bahrain FC – Bahrain)

Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United)

Gift Mphande (Zesco United)

Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)

Obinno Chisala (El Merreikh – Sudan)

David Hamasenya (Leganés – Spain)

Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors)

Midfielders

Gift Siame (Leganés – Spain)

Benson Sakala (Bohemians – Czech Republic)

Kelvin Kapumbu (Konkola Blades)

Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian – Scotland)

Kings Kangwa (Hapoel Be’er Sheva – Israel)

Emmanuel Banda (Maccabi Bnei Reineh – Israel)

Lubambo Musonda (FC Magdeburg – Germany)

Forwards

Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha – Saudi Arabia)

Lameck Banda (Lecce – Italy)

Clatous Chama (Singida – Tanzania)

Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland – Denmark)

Patson Daka (Leicester City – England)

Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan – Israel)

Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Be’er Sheva – Israel)

Kelvin Kampamba (Zesco United)