GRANT NAMES 31-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD – Fashion, Lameck & Patson Back for Morocco Clash

28.08.2025 | Football DNA

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has announced a 31-member provisional squad ahead of Zambia’s crucial FIFA World Cup Group E qualifier against Morocco set for September 8 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

Speaking during a media briefing at Football House, Grant confirmed that the provisional team will later be trimmed to 24 players after undergoing fitness assessments.

The big news is the return of Lameck Banda, Mwenya Chibwe, and Fashion Sakala, who are all back in the fold after regaining fitness. Leicester City striker Patson Daka also features in the squad, boosting Chipolopolo’s attacking options.

Healthy Competition

Grant welcomed the return of the players, noting that it would raise the level of competition within the team:

“I think it is very healthy competition because these players that have come now, even though they are very good, need to prove themselves just like those who played in the last qualification,” said Grant.

“I have a position with a few players that will fight for their place.”

However, the team will be without Stoppila Sunzu and Tandi Mwape, who are both sidelined with injuries.

Fitness Tests Ahead

Grant stressed that August is a difficult period for players since it marks the start of new football seasons, with some players already active while others are still in pre-season.

To ensure readiness, physical trainer Jamie Lawrence will conduct rigorous fitness tests before the final squad is named.

“We want to see who is in good shape and who is not. Jamie will test them, I will test them – we will see who worked in the summer and who didn’t,” Grant explained.

Morocco a Tough Test

Looking ahead to the encounter, Grant described Morocco as a formidable opponent:

“Morocco is really great; it is a good challenge for us. I think as Zambians, we need this challenge. We will never give up as long as I am here.”

Match Details & Ticketing

Zambia hosts Morocco on Sunday, September 8 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium. Tickets are already on sale via Computicket at Shoprite outlets, with prices as follows:

Early Bird: K30

North & South: K50

East: K100

West: K150

VIP: K300

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

Goalkeepers

Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Mwenya Chibwe (Zesco United)

Defenders

Frankie Musonda (AYR United-Scotland), Kabaso Chongo, Benedict Chepeshi, Gift Mphande (all Zesco United), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Obinno Chisala (El Merreikh-Sudan), David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain), Mathews Banda (Nkana)

Midfielders

Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg-Germany), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905-Czech Republic), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian-Scotland), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy), Kings Kangwa, Joseph Sabobo Banda (both Hapoel Be’er Sheva-Israel), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech Republic), Kelvin Kampamba, Abraham Siankombo (Zesco United), Emmanuel Banda (Maccabi Bnei-Israel), Gift Siame (CD Leganes-Spain), Saddam Phiri (Red Arrows), Lameck Banda (Lecce-Italy), Songa Chipyoka (Hapoel Petah Tikva-Israel)

Forwards

Kingstone Mutandwa (SV Ried-Austria), Edward Chilufya (Midtylland-Denmark), Patson Daka (Leicester-England), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan-Israel), Fashion Sakala (Al-Fayha FC-Saudi Arabia)