SICHONE UNPACKS 55-BULLETS IN AFCON PROVISIONAL SQUAD

26.11.2025 | Football DNA

Chipolopolo head coach Moses Sichone has officially announced his 55-man provisional squad for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The expanded list complies with CAF’s requirement for teams to submit broader preliminary squads ahead of the tournament, set to run from December 21 to January 18.

This year’s provisional squad showcases a blend of experience, rising domestic stars, and exciting new faces from the diaspora. Notably, 21-year-old Manchester City defender Jadel Katongo makes the list, alongside Austrian-based forward Jack Kalichi Lahne, who became an instant fan favourite during the recent FIFA window—scoring a debut goal and displaying immense potential.

Their inclusion reflects FAZ’s ongoing effort to bolster the national team through an active diaspora scouting programme.

Sichone has also rewarded standout performers from Zambia’s U17 FIFA World Cup project, calling up Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Nyirongo, and Christo Chitambala—a strong signal that the future generation is firmly in the frame.

Other fresh additions include Chanka Zimba of Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Frank Chileshe of Locomotive Tbilisi, both earning their first senior provisional call-ups.

The provisional list will be trimmed down to 28 players, before the final tournament squad of 23 is confirmed—although CAF rules allow participating teams to add a few extra players if needed.

Ahead of AFCON, FAZ has arranged an international training camp, where Zambia is expected to play high-profile friendly matches as part of final preparations.

Zambia has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros in what promises to be a competitive group.

FULL PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS

Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors)

Lawrence Mulenga, Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

Francis Mwansa (Zanaco)

Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune – RSA)

Charles Kalumba, Christo Chitambala (Red Arrows)

DEFENDERS

Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)

Kapambwe Musonda, Headson Paina (Green Eagles)

Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers)

Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)

Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande (Zesco United)

Stoppila Sunzu (Changchuan Yatai – China)

Frankie Musonda (Bahrain FC – Bahrain)

Jadel Katongo (Manchester City – England)

Chanda Chileshe (FC Muza)

David Hamansenya (FC Leganese – Spain)

Mathews Banda (Nkana)

Obinno Chisala (Al Mereikh – Sudan)

Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows)

Benson Sakala (Bohemians – Czech Republic)

MIDFIELDERS

Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian – Scotland)

Humphrey Bwembya (Kabwe Warriors)

Golden Mashata (Hapoel Ra’anana – Israel)

Kelvin Mwanza, Given Kalusa, Solomon Mpasela (FC Muza)

Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos)

Joseph Liteta (Cagliari – Italy)

Wilson Chisala, Tinklar Sinkala (Zanaco)

Frank Chileshe (Locomotive Tbilisi – Georgia)

Kings Kangwa, Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva – Israel)

David Simukonda, Abraham Siankombo, Pascol Phiri (Zesco United)

Gift Siame (Leganese – Spain)

Kelvin Chipelu (Forest Rangers)

Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows)

Lameck Banda (Lecce – Italy)

Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha – Saudi Arabia)

Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg – Germany)

STRIKERS

Patson Daka (Leicester City – England)

Jack Lahne Kalichi (Lustenau – Austria)

Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan – Israel)

Andrew Phiri (Singida – Tanzania)

Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)

Kingston Mutandwa (SV Reid – Austria)

Abel Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka)

Chanka Zimba (Inverness Caledonian Thistle – Scotland)

Rickson Ng’ambi (FC Muza)