SICHONE UNVEILS FINAL 28-MAN CHIPOLPOLO SQUAD FOR AFCON 2025, SET FOR SPAIN CAMP
Chipolopolo head coach Moses Sichone has officially announced his final 28-man squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, trimming down the earlier 55-man provisional list to a competitive and balanced group. With preparations entering the critical stage, the team will now shift focus to an intensive training camp in Murcia, Spain, running from December 11–17, 2025.
Spain Camp: Final Preparations Ahead of AFCON
The Chipolopolo squad will use the Spain camp to sharpen fitness, build chemistry, and assess tactical setups. During the training period, Zambia is expected to play a series of high-profile international friendlies, which will be key in fine-tuning the team before heading to Morocco.
Due to FIFA’s new mandatory international release regulations, foreign-based players will only be available from December 15, meaning Sichone will have a full squad during the latter part of the camp. This regulation—similar to the one used for the 2022 FIFA World Cup—shortens the release window by seven days.
Key Highlights of the Squad Selection
The final list features a mix of seasoned internationals, rising talents, and fresh domestic league standouts.
Foreign-Based Stars Included
Austria-based forward Jack Kalichi Lahne, who impressed with a goal on his Chipolopolo debut, has been retained. Italian-based youngster Joseph Liteta of Cagliari also makes the squad, signaling Sichone’s commitment to nurturing new international-quality players.
Fresh Domestic Call-Ups
Several MTN Super League performers have earned well-deserved call-ups, including:
- Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)
- Given Kalusa (FC MUZA)
- Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)
- Matthews Banda (Nkana)
- Willard Mwanza and Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)
- David Simukonda (Zesco United)
Their inclusion showcases the strong competition within Zambian football and the coach’s belief in homegrown talent.
U17 World Cup Standouts Retained on Standby
Jonathan Kalimina and Abel Nyirongo—impressive performers from the recent FIFA U17 World Cup—remain on the standby list alongside FC MUZA defender Kelvin Mwanza. This reflects the technical bench’s long-term vision and investment in youth development.
Group A Challenges Await
Zambia has been drawn into a competitive Group A, facing hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. With such tough opposition, Sichone’s squad selection and Spain preparations will be vital to Chipolopolo’s performance at the continent’s biggest football stage.
FULL 28-MAN AFCON 2025 SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
- Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
- Francis Mwansa (Zanaco)
- Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)
DEFENDERS
- Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China)
- Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC)
- Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United)
- Matthews Banda (Nkana)
- Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
- Gift Mphande (Zesco United)
- Obino Chisala (Al-Merikh SC, Sudan)
- David Hamasenya (Leganes, Spain)
- Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Rep)
MIDFIELDERS
- Miguel Changa Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland)
- Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)
- Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy)
- Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheeva, Israel)
- Given Kalusa (FC MUZA)
- David Simukonda (Zesco United)
- Wilson Chisala (Zanaco)
- Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheeva, Israel)
- Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy)
- Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia)
- Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany)
- Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)
STRIKERS
- Patson Daka (Leicester City, England)
- Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria)
- Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel)
- Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)
As the countdown to the tournament begins, fans will be eager to see how Sichone’s men shape up in Spain and whether they can mount a strong challenge in Morocco. Chipolopolo’s journey to reclaim continental glory starts now.
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