The Chipolopolo Boys will be without midfielder Miguel Chaiwa for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualifier against Ivory Coast later this month.
He tore the ligaments in his right ankle during an AfCON qualification match against Chad at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium last month. As a result, Chaiwa will be unable to play football this season while recovering from an ankle injury.
The BSC Young Boys starlet has been a key member of Zambia’s midfield since making his competitive senior debut against Tanzania at the 2023 AfCON in Cote d’Ivoire.
His technical abilities, fighting spirit, and level of consistency have frequently drawn comparisons to former Copper Bullets captain Enock Mwepu.
As Zambia prepares to face Ivory Coast, Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant must find an ideal replacement for the Swiss-based playmaker.
BolaNews presents a list of midfield options to replace Chaiwa next week.
REALISTIC: Benson Sakala (Mlada Boleslav)
Sakala is the man who took the reins from Chaiwa in defensive midfield against Chad. It is expected that Grant will maintain the Czech-based player in that midfield slot against the African champions.
Given the attacking threat that Ivory Coast wields, Sakala is a good option when it comes to protecting the Chipolopolo backline.
FORWARD-THINKING: Emmanuel Banda (Al Tai)
Banda is no stranger to playing in holding midfield, being able to operate in a double pivot system, or as a lone defensive midfielder. If Zambia wishes to take the game to Ivory Coast and replicate their resounding 3-0 victory from last year, they could employ him as a deep-lying playmaker.
Banda’s ability to expertly distribute the ball into the final third and control the tempo of the game make him the ideal candidate for such a role.
GAMBLE: Golden Mafwenta (Metalist 1925)
Following his impressive form in Ukraine, Mafwenta has earned himself a call-up to the national team for the first time since January. The midfielder has found a new lease of life at Metalist 1925 since joining from MFK Vyskov, helping them maintain 4th position in the 2024-25 Persha Liga.
Mafwenta, 23, could bring in the youth and robustness that Zambia’s midfield will be lacking in Chaiwa’s absence.
READ MORE: Avram Grant Names Squad for Final 2025 AFCON Qualifiers Against Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone
