Zambia National Team head coach Avram Grant has announced his squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Qualifiers against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone in absentia.
Notably, Saudi Arabia-based striker Fashion Sakala has been left out of the provisional 27-man squad, despite his continued good form. Sources suggest that Grant and Sakala are yet to resolve their differences, leading to the striker’s exclusion.
READ HERE: Fallout between Avram Grant and Fashion Sakala has yet to be resolved
With Patson Daka sidelined due to injury and Sakala not called up, Grant has turned to a new set of attackers to bolster Zambia’s forward line. Joseph Sabobo Banda, Songa Chipyoka, Angel Lubamba, and Kenneth Kasanga were all handed their senior national team call-ups. Joining them in the attack is Italy-based Kingston Mutandwa, who also makes the squad.
The squad sees the return of Clatous Chama and Lameck Banda, who missed the last national team assignments due to injury. Midfielder Kings Kangwa also returns to the team, adding strength to the midfield options while Emmanuel Banda has not been called.
The Chipolopolo have only managed one win in their last 11 games, a record Grant will be eager to improve as Zambia looks to make a strong start to their qualification campaign. The team will travel to Ivory Coast for their opening match on September 6, where they hope to secure a positive result on the road.
With new faces and returning talent in the squad, Grant will be looking to find the right mix to reignite Zambia’s winning ways and set the tone for the rest of the qualifiers.