Chipolopolo head coach Moses Sichone unveiled his 55-man preliminary squad for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on December 21 in Morocco.
The Chipolopolo Boys coach, Sichone, will trim down the squad to 23 players, which is no easy task.
In the meantime, BolaNews will explore some alternative XIs that can be generated from the 55-member squad.
PREDICTED XI
Appointed as head coach just a month before the 2025 AFCON, Sichone has not had enough time to experiment and formulate a starting XI that would fit his own style of play. Hence, the former Chipolopolo assistant coach might just have to borrow Avram Grant’s old notes and field what has been Zambia’s go-to XI in the last few months.
Lawrence Mulenga is likely to edge Nsabata between the sticks, given his decent performance at the previous edition of AFCON. In front of Mulenga are Kabaso Chongo and Benson Sakala, who will be flanked by Gift Mphande and Lubambo Musonda.
Miguel Chaiwa holds the midfield while Obino Chisala and Kings Kangwa pull the strings in the middle of the park. The deadly trio of Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala Jr, and Lameck Banda starts up front.
NEXT GEN XI
Sichone did not hesitate to include the youngsters in his 55-man squad, with a good number of them called up in defence, midfield, and attack. If he wanted the energy, flair, and excitement that the youth bring, here’s one XI.
Christo Chitambala, being the only teenage goalkeeper in the squad, obviously takes the number one. Matthews Banda and David Hamansenya, who impressed for the senior team in an international friendly against Angola, start as fullbacks.
Marshalling in defence are Red Arrows FC star Happy Nsiku and Manchester City defender Jadel Katongo. Frank Chileshe, Joseph Liteta, and Gift Siame, who have been making waves in Georgia, Italy, and Spain, respectively, take the midfield slots.
Causing problems for the opposition defence are Jonathan Kalimina, Abel Nyirongo, and talisman Joseph Sabobo Banda.
FORM XI
As the saying goes, ‘Always play the man in form.’ If club form were the determining factor in getting a starting berth at the AFCON, here’s an eleven that ticks the boxes.
While his Chipolopolo performances have raised a few eyebrows, Nsabata has been impressive since moving to South Africa. The shotstopper has a save percentage of 69% in the South African top flight and has only conceded five goals in six games at the time of writing.
Ageing like fine wine, Stoppila Sunzu has been solid at the back in China. David Hamansenya and Benson Sakala would complete the back three, given their top performances abroad.
Miguel Chaiwa has been a marvel to watch in Scotland, while David Simukonda and Kings Kangwa have been magical in midfield.
Kingstone Mutandwa and Jack Lane, who have been sensational in Austria, lead the line. With 11 goals from 10 starts this season, Chanka Zimba joins the attack, alongside one of the best performers in the Zambian Super League this season, Albert Kangwanda.
THE OLD GUARD XI
What’s football without experience? If Moses Sichone looks to field players at least 27 years of age, here’s a lineup to consider.
Toaster Nsabata starts in goal, with Stoppila Sunzu, Kabaso Chongo, Lubambo Musonda, and Dominic Chanda making up the back four. The midfield would consist of Owen Tembo and Benson Sakala.
Upfront, Kennedy Musonda, over 30, will be joined by Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala Jr., and Abraham Siankombo, who are in their peak years of their careers.
LOCAL IS LAKA XI
An eleven consisting of Zambian Super League stars is also another option.
Stopping the shots would be Lawrence Mulenga, with Dominic Chanda and Kabaso Chongo shielding him. Matthews Banda and Gift Mphande start as fullbacks.
Owen Tembo operates at the base of midfield, joined by Power Dynamos teammate Frederick Mulambia and Zesco United star David Simukonda.
Upfront, Zanaco FC star Eliya Mwandanji takes the number 9 role, with Albert Kangwanda and Pascal Phiri delivering the crosses for him from the wings.
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