Zambia has announced a 32-player squad for its final training camp ahead of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), with head coach Avram Grant intensifying preparations in the lead-up to the continental tournament.
With less than a month until kick-off, the Chipolopolo have entered the last phase of their preparation.
This final camp follows a series of training sessions and competitive fixtures, including their participation in the COSAFA Senior Challenge, aimed at fine-tuning the squad for CHAN competition.
Zambia will begin their CHAN 2024 campaign in Kenya, where they face the Democratic Republic of Congo on 7 August.
The national team will be aiming to surpass their best result in the tournament, which came in 2009 when they reached the semi-finals and secured a third-place finish.
The squad called up by Grant is a blend of experience and youth, drawn entirely from domestic clubs, in accordance with CHAN regulations that only allow players competing in their home national leagues. The selection includes four goalkeepers, 14 defenders, nine midfielders, and five forwards.
Goalkeepers selected are Francis Mwansa, Willard Mwanza, Levison Banda, and Charles Kalumba, all of whom have featured prominently in the local league and previous national team call-ups.
Defensive options include Benedict Chepeshi, Kabaso Chongo, Mathews Banda, Kendrick Mumba, Killian Kanguluma, Kebson Kamanga, Happy Nsiku, Lyson Banda, Dominic Chanda, and John Chishimba. This defensive unit brings a mix of physicality, tactical discipline, and domestic league experience.
In midfield, the squad features Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia, Prince Mumba, Kelvin Kapumbu, Wilson Chisala, Philimon Chilimina, Rally Bwalya, Abraham Siankombo, Kelvin Kampamba, Jackson Kampamba, Kenneth Kasanga, Timothy Sichalwe, and Kelvin Mwanza. The midfield line-up offers versatility, with players capable of operating in both attacking and holding roles.
Up front, the coach has called upon Andrew Phiri, Evans Kayombo, Charles Zulu, Joseph Phiri, and Kenan Phiri, who are expected to provide the attacking firepower. These forwards have shown promise in the local league and will be tasked with converting chances at the continental stage.
The team’s preparation will now focus on sharpening tactical systems, building match fitness, and fostering squad cohesion before departure to Kenya. Coach Grant is expected to trim the squad closer to the tournament, finalizing the group that will represent Zambia on the CHAN stage.
Zambia’s aspirations are high for this edition of the tournament, with the squad and technical staff determined to improve upon previous performances. With a strong domestic base and a rigorous training schedule, the Chipolopolo hope to mount a serious challenge for continental honours when the tournament begins in August.
