Chipolopolo interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina has named a 30-member provisional squad for Zambia’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group I qualifiers against Burundi.
Lwandamina has selected a blend of foreign-based players and top performers from the domestic league, with in-form Zesco United striker Kennedy Musonda, fit-again Red Arrows defender Zephaniah Phiri and the impressive Ackim Mumba among those included.
Portugal-based striker Chanka Zimba has earned a recall following his move to GD Vitória de Sernache, while Gift Mphande has also received a call-up.
The squad will assemble in Ndola on Thursday, with foreign-based players expected to join the camp when the FIFA international window opens on 9 November.
Lwandamina is expected to reduce the provisional squad to 26 players as preparations progress ahead of the two crucial fixtures.
Zambia will host Burundi at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on 13 November before travelling to Bujumbura for the return fixture on 17 November.
The Chipolopolo currently sit second in Group I with three points from two matches, one point behind leaders Algeria. Togo are also on three points, while Burundi occupy bottom spot with one point.
The two matches present Zambia with an opportunity to strengthen their position in the qualification race and boost their hopes of securing a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
The tournament, branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
Zambia provisional squad
Goalkeepers
Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Luka Mainza (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers).
Defenders
Mathews Banda (Bohemians Praha FC, Czech Republic), Zephaniah Phiri (Red Arrows), Owen Mwamba (Red Arrows), David Hamansenya (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Tinklar Sinkala (Zanaco), Ricky Chanda (Nomme United, Estonia), Jackson Phiri (Konkola Blades), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), William Kamwanga (Mufulira Wanderers).
Midfielders
Lameck Banda (Sewhly FC, Libya), Gamphani Lungu (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Joshua Mutale (Power Dynamos), Wilson Chisala (Power Dynamos), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), Obino Chisala (Al Merreikh, Sudan), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Ackim Mumba (Red Arrows), Kelvin Mwanza (FC Muza), Allan Mumba (Zesco United).
Forwards
Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Albert Kangwanda (Young Africans, Tanzania), Patson Daka (Hamburg, Germany), Kennedy Musonda (Zesco United), Chanka Zimba (GD Vitória de Sernache, Portugal).
Note: Some players have been left out of the assignment as they are part of the Under-23 squad scheduled to face Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on 11 November and at Heroes Stadium four days later.
