Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has reduced his squad to 24 players for the back-to-back 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Morocco this Friday and Tanzania next Tuesday.
Grant has dropped Joshua Mutale and Abraham Siankombo from Power Dynamos and ZESCO United, as well as defender Luka Banda, goalkeeper Victor Chabu of Nchanga Rangers, and Green Buffaloe’s Francis Mwansa.
The gaffer told reporters on Tuesday at the Heroes National Stadium in Lusaka that he is having headaches finding wingbacks for the team.
“There’s no doubt that there is a problem in this area [wingback], but I think we will find a solution,” he said. “I must say, I don’t like to speak about players that are not here, but last time in Malawi [during the Four Nations tournament], Kepson [Kamanga] played fantastic [football] on the left back, and since he didn’t play for his club, I couldn’t take him. I thought we would find a solution, but this is my job to find a solution, and we are practicing this and it’ll be good.”
‘Its my job to find a solution’- Grant
When asked if he has time to find a solution ahead of the crucial World Cup qualifiers, Grant responded, “Yes, of course. This is my job to find a solution.”
The former Ghana national team coach has called up Kabwe Warriors defenders Kabaso Chongo and Killian Kanguluma, who will compete for a starting spot as wingbacks with Zesco United’s Tandi Mwape and young Gift Mpande, who plays for Hapoel Rishon LeZion in Israel.
Stopilla Sunzu and Frankie Musonda are expected to maintain their partnership in the central defence.
The Chipolopolo Boys departed Lusaka today for Agadir, Morocco. On Tuesday, they will host the Taifa Stars at the Levy Mwanawansa Stadium in Ndola.
