Zambia’s Chipolopolo head into the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a desire to test the strength of their local league and reassert themselves among the continent’s elite. This will be their fifth appearance in the competition, having previously featured in 2009, 2016, 2018, and 2020. Their best finish came in the inaugural edition in 2009, where they finished third. Since lifting the Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012, the national team has struggled for consistency, with regional success like the 2023 COSAFA Cup providing brief moments of optimism.

The domestic scene has seen a drop in continental competitiveness in recent years. Gone are the days when ZESCO United and Zanaco were regulars in the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup group stages. The decline has seen Zambia lose its four-team continental quota and now fields just one team each in CAF’s top two competitions. CHAN 2024 offers a critical opportunity to evaluate the quality and readiness of the Zambian Super League’s talent pool.

Chipolopolo have been in camp at UNILUS Stadium in Lusaka, under the guidance of head coach Avram Grant. The Israeli tactician, known for his long-term vision, is focused on developing a strong team identity and promoting homegrown talent. Grant believes the CHAN is more than just a tournament, it’s a springboard for players to attract attention from bigger leagues abroad. One of the key inclusions in the squad is striker Ricky Banda, who returned to Zambia after a stint with Sudanese giants Al Merreikh.

However, the squad will be without some notable names. Goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga misses out, as does 2024/25 top scorer Titus Chansa and Zesco’s David Simukonda; the Young Player of the Season for two years running is one of the most exciting prospects in Zambian football. Their absence presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the next generation of players to step up.

Speaking during the team’s preparations, Grant made his intentions clear: “We want to create a team. We want to create a winning mentality… I came to Zambia to do something for the long term, not only for the short term.”

Official Squad awaiting Trimming

Goalkeepers:

Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Levison Banda (ZESCO United), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)

Defenders:

Benedict Chepeshi, Kabaso Chongo (both ZESCO United), Mathews Banda, Kendrick Mumba (both Nkana), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Kebson Kamanga, Happy Nsiku (both Red Arrows), Lyson Banda (Green Buffaloes), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), John Chishimba (Zanaco)

Midfielders:

Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia, Prince Mumba (all Power Dynamos), Kelvin Kapumbu (Konkola Blades), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Philimon Chilimina (Green Buffaloes), Rally Bwalya (Napsa Stars), Abraham Siankombo, Kelvin Kampamba (both ZESCO United), Jackson Kampamba (Mutondo Stars), Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi), Timothy Sichalwe (Athletico), Kelvin Mwanza (MUZA FC)

Forwards:

Andrew Phiri (MUZA), Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars), Charles Zulu (Nkana), Ricky Banda, Joseph Phiri (both Red Arrows), Kenan Phiri (Makeni All Stars)

Star Watch:

Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos) – The standout goalkeeper of the 2024/25 Zambian Super League season, Mwanza kept 11 clean sheets en route to being named Goalkeeper of the Season. His command of the box and reliability make him a pillar of Chipolopolo’s defensive unit.

Prince Mumba (Power Dynamos) – A dynamic midfielder with strong passing range and tactical discipline, Mumba brings experience and calmness to Zambia’s midfield. He’s expected to be one of the key men pulling the strings in the middle of the park.

Kelvin Kampamba (ZESCO United) – Known for his creativity and attacking instincts, Kampamba is one of the most technically gifted players in the squad. His ability to unlock defences and score from range could be crucial in tight games.

Zambia Fixtures:

7th August – DR Congo vs Zambia – Nyayo Stadium
10th August – Angola vs Zambia – Nyayo Stadium
14th August – Morocco vs Zambia – Nyayo Stadium
17th August – Kenya vs Zambia – MISC Kasarani

Zambia find themselves in an extremely competitive Group A alongside hosts Kenya, two-time champions DR Congo and Morocco, and southern neighbours Angola. Avram Grant’s focus on mentality and development may prove critical in such a group. For Zambia to progress, they must combine tactical discipline with individual brilliance and find consistency, something that has eluded them in recent major tournaments.