The Chipolopolo Boys are in Bouaké, where they open their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualifiers against Ivory Coast. Despite Avram Grant’s squad being void of star players like Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, and Frankie Musonda, a strong selection was named for the assignment in Bouaké.
Notably, a number of players in the squad have taken the 2024-25 club season by storm and are undoubtedly deserving of the inclusion.
BolaNews reveals the five most in-form players that have been selected for the AfCON qualification Group G matches against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone tonight and 10th September, respectively.
5. Miguel Changa Chaiwa (BSC Young Boys, Switzerland)
Chaiwa has been a crucial presence in the midfield for Young Boys this season. In just three league starts, he has delivered twelve accurate long balls, made seven interceptions, completed 24 recoveries, and executed six tackles. The Chipolopolo star is poised to face formidable opponents like FC Barcelona and Inter Milan in the inaugural 36-team league stage of the UEFA Champions League.
4. Songa Chipyoka (Hapoel Petah Tikva, Israel)
With four assists from five games in all club competitions this season, Chipyoka, 19, has been the creator-in-chief for Hapoel Petah Tikva. He is currently on loan at the Israeli club from nine-time Zambian Super League champions ZESCO United FC.
3. Lubambo Musonda (1. FC Magdeburg, Germany)
Lubambo Musonda’s performances in Germany this season have proved that he is more suited to a left-back role than playing as a forward. The Chipolopolo skipper has made the joint-most assists (3) in the 2. Bundesliga, keeping two cleansheets in four matches.
2. Clatous Chota Chama (Yanga SC, Tanzania)
Famously dubbed ‘Mwamba Wa Lusaka’ in Tanzania, Clatous Chama has been a bargain for Yanga SC, who nicked him from rivals Simba SC on a free transfer. The midfield orchestrator has scored two goals and set up a further five in his first five games for the Tanzanian champions, including four assists in a single CAF Champions League match.
1. Edward Chilufya (Midtjylland, Denmark)
Without doubt, Chilufya has been the most in-form Chipolopolo player at club level this season. He has been a marvel to watch for Midtjylland since returning from his loan at Swedish club BK Häcken. The Copper Bullets star has two goals and four assists from only six starts in all competitions.
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