The Zambia coach has opened the door for locally based players to stake their claim ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
Chipolopolo head coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina has named a 28-player squad for a local assessment camp as Zambia begins preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifying campaign.
The squad combines players who featured at the recent Mukuru Four Nations tournament in Botswana with members of the team that faced Argentina in an international friendly in Buenos Aires earlier this year.
The camp will give Lwandamina an opportunity to assess his domestic options before the arrival of Zambia’s foreign-based players during the FIFA international window.
Zanaco, Green Eagles Players Included
Zanaco’s defensive partnership of Frederick Mwimanzi and Tinkler Sinkala has been rewarded with call-ups, while Green Eagles defender Headson Paina also makes the squad.
Other defensive options include Nchanga Rangers’ Joseph Mulenga and Konkola Blades defender Jackson Phiri.
Lwandamina has also shown his willingness to look towards the next generation, handing opportunities to four Under-17 players.
Goalkeeper Christo Chitambala, defender Jonathan Kalimina, winger Kelvin Chipelu and striker Abel Salim Nyirongo have all been included.
Rickson Ng’ambi Leads Attack
Green Eagles’ new signing Rickson Ng’ambi is among the forwards selected and will be joined by teammate Derrick Bulaya.
FC MUZA has three representatives in midfield, with Kelvin Mwanza, Given Kalusa and Chanda Chileshe earning places.
The midfield group also includes Humphrey Bwembya, Elliot Kampukesa, Nduna Zulu, Francis Banda, Dominic Kanda, Ian Sindaye, Golden Mashata and Patson Kwataine.
The remaining attacking options are Bridger Ngandu and Abel Nyirongo.
CAF Representatives Missing
The assessment squad does not feature players from Power Dynamos and Red Arrows, who are Zambia’s representatives in CAF competitions.
ZESCO United players are also unavailable because the club is currently conducting its pre-season preparations in Tanzania.
Zambia have been drawn in Group I of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers alongside Algeria, Togo and Burundi.
The Chipolopolo will open their campaign away against Algeria before hosting Togo in September.
Full 28-Man Squad
Goalkeepers: Mangani Banda, Victor Chabu, Bradley Mweene, Christo Chitambala.
Defenders: Jonathan Kalimina, Headson Paina, Joseph Mulenga, Jackson Phiri, Frederick Mwimanzi, Tinkler Sinkala, Yoram Chanda, William Kamwanga.
Midfielders: Kelvin Mwanza, Given Kalusa, Chanda Chileshe, Humphrey Bwembya, Elliot Kampukesa, Nduna Zulu, Francis Banda, Dominic Kanda, Ian Sindaye, Golden Mashata, Patson Kwataine, Kelvin Chipelu.
Strikers: Bridger Ngandu, Abel Nyirongo, Derrick Bulaya, Rickson Ng’ambi.
