Zambia name 27-man squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers against Algeria and Togo

Zambia have announced a 27-man squad for their opening two matches of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

The Chipolopolo will begin their campaign away to Algeria on 25 September before returning home to face Togo four days later.

The first match will be played at the Hocine Aït Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou at 21:00 local time, while the meeting with Togo is scheduled for 18:00 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on 29 September.

The squad includes several of Zambia’s most experienced players, with captain and forward Patson Daka among the headline selections.

Daka, who plays for German club Hamburg, is joined in attack by Saudi Arabia-based Fashion Sakala of Al Fayha, while Kingstone Mutandwa of Swiss club Servette and Albert Kangwa of Young Africans have also been selected.

The Zambia Football Association has also included Red Arrows forward Eliya Mandandi and unattached striker Chanka Solomon Zimba.

There is a strong domestic presence in the squad, particularly in defence and midfield, with players from Power Dynamos, Red Arrows, Zanaco and Nchanga Rangers featuring prominently.

Experienced squad

The goalkeeping department consists of Victor Chabu of Nchanga Rangers, Lawrence Mulenga of Power Dynamos, Luka Mainza of Red Arrows and Willard Mwansa of Power Dynamos.

The defence includes Mathews Banda of Bohemians Prague, Owen Mwamba of Red Arrows, Obinno Chisala of Al Merriekh in Sudan and David Hamasenya of Slovan Liberec.

Dominic Chanda and Tinkler Sinkala are both from Power Dynamos, while Ricky Chanda represents Zanaco. Frederick Mwimwanzi completes the defensive options.

The midfield has a mixture of domestic and overseas-based talent.

Power Dynamos duo Owen Tembo and Wilson Sosho Chisala have been selected alongside Joseph Lileta of Cagliari and Miguel Changa Chaiwa, who plays for Hibernian in Scotland.

David Simukonda, who plays for Egyptian club El Gouna, has also been included, as have Given Kalusa of FC Muza and Pascal Phiri of Egyptian side Al-Ittihad Alexandria.

South Africa-based Gamphani Jones Lungu of Orlando Pirates and Libyan club Swhe­ly FC midfielder Lameck Banda complete the midfield group.

The selection of Banda gives Zambia an additional attacking option from midfield as the Chipolopolo prepare for a difficult opening assignment against Algeria.

Daka and Sakala lead attack

Daka will be expected to provide much of Zambia’s attacking threat.

The 27-year-old has established himself as one of the country’s leading forwards and will be supported by Sakala, who brings experience of international football and club competition in Europe and Saudi Arabia.

Mutandwa’s inclusion also adds another option in the final third after his move to Servette in Switzerland.

The squad’s overseas contingent reflects Zambia’s growing presence across European, African and Middle Eastern leagues.

Among those based outside Zambia are Chaiwa, Simukonda, Kalusa, Lungu, Banda, Sakala, Daka and Mutandwa.

The Chipolopolo face a challenging start to qualifying, with Algeria providing their first test before the home fixture against Togo.

Algeria will enter the campaign among the teams expected to compete strongly for qualification, meaning Zambia will be hoping to take something from their opening match before turning their attention to securing victory against Togo at home.

The top two matches could prove important in determining the early shape of Zambia’s qualifying campaign as they attempt to secure a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.

Zambia squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers

Goalkeepers: Victor Chabu, Lawrence Mulenga, Luka Mainza, Willard Mwansa.

Defenders: Mathews Banda, Owen Mwamba, Obinno Chisala, David Hamasenya, Dominic Chanda, Tinkler Sinkala, Ricky Chanda, Frederick Mwimwanzi.

Midfielders: Owen Tembo, Wilson Sosho Chisala, Joseph Lileta, Miguel Changa Chaiwa, David Simukonda, Given Kalusa, Pascal Phiri, Gamphani Jones Lungu, Lameck Banda.

Forwards: Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka, Kingstone Mutandwa, Albert Kangwa, Eliya Mandandi, Chanka Solomon Zimba.