Chipolopolo coach George Lwandamina has settled on a 27-member squad as Zambia steps up preparations for the crucial 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA qualifiers scheduled for later this month.
The squad brings together a blend of experienced foreign-based players, established domestic stars and emerging talent, with Lwandamina expected to rely on a strong mixture of experience and youthful energy as Zambia begins its qualification campaign.
Zambia’s first assignment will be a difficult away encounter against Algeria on September 25, 2026, before returning home for the second matchday of the qualifying campaign. CAF’s current official fixture information lists Zambia’s second opponent as Togo on September 29, with the match scheduled in Zambia.
The squad features four goalkeepers, eight defenders, nine midfielders and six forwards, giving Lwandamina several options as he prepares the team for two important matches in the space of a few days.
Among the goalkeepers are Victor Chabu, Lawrence Mulenga, Luka Mainza and Willard Mwanza, providing competition for the starting position between the posts.
The defensive department includes Mathews Banda, Owen Mwamba, Obinno Chisala, David Hamasenya, Dominic Chanda, Tinkler Sinkala, Ricky Chanda and Fredrick Mwimanzi.
In midfield, Lwandamina has selected Owen Tembo, Wilson Sosho Chisala, Joseph Liteta, Miguel Changa Chaiwa, David Simukonda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, Gamphani Jones Lungu and Lameck Banda.
The attacking options are led by some of Zambia’s most recognisable names, including captain Fashion Sakala and striker Patson Daka.
The forward line also includes Kingstone Mutandwa, Albert Kangwanda, Eliya Mandanji and Chanka Solomon Zimba, who is listed as unattached in the squad graphic provided.
Daka’s inclusion will be particularly important for Zambia as the Chipolopolo look for goals against a strong Algerian side. Sakala also brings international experience and attacking quality to a squad that will need to be at its best in a demanding qualifying campaign.
The midfield selection also contains an interesting combination of experienced players and younger talent, including Miguel Changa Chaiwa, who has been gaining international experience, alongside players such as Given Kalusa, Joseph Liteta and David Simukonda.
Lwandamina’s selection comes after the coach previously assembled a larger local-based assessment squad as part of preparations for the AFCON campaign. Earlier preparations were aimed at assessing domestic talent before the coach settled on his international-window group.
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Zambia has been drawn into the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign as it attempts to secure another appearance at Africa’s premier football tournament. The qualification group stage features 48 teams divided into 12 groups, with the top two teams from each group ultimately advancing to the finals, subject to the competition’s qualification arrangements.
The upcoming Algeria match will arguably provide the biggest early test for Lwandamina and his players.
Algeria are one of the continent’s established football powers, meaning Zambia will need discipline, defensive organisation and efficiency in front of goal to come away with a positive result.
The September 29 fixture will then provide an opportunity for the Chipolopolo to make the most of home advantage and build momentum in the group.
For Lwandamina, the immediate challenge will be managing the squad across two competitive fixtures in a short period while ensuring the players are physically and mentally prepared for the demands of international football.
For the players, the September window represents an opportunity not only to help Zambia move closer to AFCON qualification but also to establish themselves in Lwandamina’s plans for the remainder of the campaign.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, making qualification particularly significant for Zambia as the Chipolopolo seek to return to the continental stage.
With the squad now taking shape, attention will turn to preparations, training and the final tactical decisions before Zambia travels to Algeria on September 25.
Zambia’s 27-member squad for the AFCON PAMOJA qualifiers is:
Goalkeepers: Victor Chabu, Lawrence Mulenga, Luka Mainza, Willard Mwanza.
Defenders: Mathews Banda, Owen Mwamba, Obinno Chisala, David Hamasenya, Dominic Chanda, Tinkler Sinkala, Ricky Chanda, Fredrick Mwimanzi.
Midfielders: Owen Tembo, Wilson Sosho Chisala, Joseph Liteta, Miguel Changa Chaiwa, David Simukonda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, Gamphani Jones Lungu, Lameck Banda.
Forwards: Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka, Kingstone Mutandwa, Albert Kangwanda, Eliya Mandanji, Chanka Solomon Zimba.
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