Despite facing stiff competition, Chipolopolo and Green Buffaloes goalkeeper Francis Mwansa hopes to play in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The 22-year-old is one of three goalkeepers selected by Avram Grant for the tournament, which begins on January 13 in Ivory Coast.
The others are Zesco United’s Toaster Nsabata and Power Dynamos keeper Lawrence Mulenga.
Mwansa made his competitive Chipolopolo debut in the 2023 Cosafa Championship semi-final against South Africa, helping Zambia win 2-1.
He also kept a clean sheet in the final, which Zambia won 1-0 over Lesotho to win their seventh Cosafa title.
However, Mwansa endured criticism from fans after conceding two goals in two minutes against Congo Brazzaville in a Group E 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier that the Chipolopolo boys won 3-2 in November last year.
He is now facing stiff competition against experienced Nsabata and Mulenga for a starting eleven spot at the AFCON.
Mulenga played in Zambia’s last match, a 2-1 loss to Niger in the World Cup qualifiers.
On the other hand, Nsabata was dropped from the squad for the last four games.
Mwansa on making the final AFCON squad
Speaking to Bolanews in an exclusive interview before departure for Saudi Arabia, where the Chipolopolo Boys have set camp, Mwansa disclosed that he had a feeling he was going to make the final squad.
“I knew that I was going to make it and I didn’t have any doubt about that, ” he said. “I saw myself ready….. And what gave me confidence was the chance that the coach gave me in the previous games.”
Mwansa also stated that he is not under pressure to compete for a spot in the starting eleven with the two other keepers, both of whom are older and more experienced than him.
“I don’t feel under pressure; I love football. Pressure can be there, but I just have to handle the pressure because that’s my job.”
Mwansa has only appeared in five games this season for his club, managing to keep one clean sheet for the Green Buffaloes.
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Zambia is in Group F alongside the DR Congo, Morocco, and Tanzania.
They will open their campaign against Congo on Wednesday, January 17, before facing Tanzania four days later.
Chipolopolo will conclude their group-stage matches against Morocco on Wednesday, January 24.
