Sichone names 55-man provisional AFCON squad as eleven from last edition miss out

Chipolopolo coach Moses Sichone has unveiled a 55-man provisional squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with eleven players from the previous edition notably absent.

The missing players include Emmanuel Banda, Benedict Chepeshi, Tandi Mwape, Rodrick Kabwe, Zephaniah Phiri, Clatous Chama, Kelvin Kapumbu, Kelvin Kampamba, Rally Bwalya, Golden Mafwenta, and Edward Chilufya, who is sidelined with a knee injury.

Sichone has also drafted in three youngsters who impressed at the 2025 FIFA U-17 World Cup. The group includes defender Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Nyirongo, Kelvin Chipelu, and goalkeeper Christo Chitambala.

Manchester City prospect Jadel Katongo has made the list, along with Scotland-based Chanka Zimba of Inverness Caledonian Thistle and Frank Chileshe of Locomotive Tbilisi.

Jadel Katogo and Chanka Zimba — Manchester City defender Jadel Katongo (left) and Cardiff City striker Chanka Zimba(right).

From this provisional squad, Sichone is expected to select his final 23-man team for the tournament before the December 11 deadline.

After this date, no changes will be allowed except in cases of force majeure—particularly injuries—validated by the organising committee.

The AFCON will kick off on December 21. Zambia is in Group A with Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. They will open their campaign on December 22 against Mali.

Chipolopolon 55-man provisional squad

GOALKEEPERS: Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Lawrence Mulenga. Willard Mwanza (both Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco).Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune-RSA), Charles Kalumba, Christo Chitambala (both Red Arrows)

DEFENDERS: Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic), Kapambwe Musonda, Headson Paina (both Green Eagles), Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers). Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande (both 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 (all FC Muza), Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (both Power Dynamos). Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy), Wilson Chisala, Tinklar Sinkala (both Zanaco), Frank Chileshe (Locomotive Tbilisi-Georgia). Kings Kangwa, Joseph Sabobo Banda (both Maccabi Be’er Sheva-Israel). David Simukonda, Abraham Siankombo, Pascol Phiri (all 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)