Zambia Names Home-Based Squad for Friendly Ahead of AFCON 2017 Qualifiers
As part of their preparations for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, Zambia’s national football team will face Malawi in a friendly match on May 10. The game, seen as a key tune-up fixture, will feature a squad composed entirely of home-based players.
Coach Honor Janza announced the 26-man roster on Wednesday, focusing on talent from the Zambian Premier League. The aim is to conduct a comprehensive assessment of local players before integrating foreign-based stars for the qualifiers.
Zambia has been drawn in Group E of the 2017 AFCON qualification campaign, alongside Congo, Kenya, and Guinea-Bissau. Their friendly opponents Malawi, meanwhile, are placed in Group L with Guinea, Zimbabwe, and Swaziland.
Squad Breakdown
Goalkeepers:
-
Danny Munyao (Red Arrows)
-
Jacob Banda (Zesco United)
-
Joe Kanyemba (Power Dynamos)
Defenders:
-
Christopher Munthali (Power Dynamos)
-
Bronson Chama (Red Arrows)
-
Donashano Malama (Nkana FC)
-
Fackson Kapumbu (Zanaco)
-
Kabaso Chongo (TP Mazembe)
-
Andrew Kwiliko (Zanaco)
-
Aaron Katebe (FC Platinum, Zimbabwe)
Midfielders:
-
Justine Zulu (Zesco United)
-
Kondwani Mtonga (Zesco United)
-
Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe)
-
Given Singuluma (TP Mazembe)
-
Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe)
-
Paul Katema (Red Arrows)
-
Jack Chirwa (Green Buffalos)
-
Benson Sakala (Chicago Magic, USA)
-
Lameck Silwamba (Mufulira Wanderers)
-
Shadreck Musonda (Nkana FC)
-
Allan Mukuka (Green Buffalos)
Forwards:
-
Jimmy Beleck Ndhlovu (Power Dynamos)
-
Jackson Mwanza (Zesco United)
-
Winston Kalengo (Zesco United)
-
Patson Daka (Nchanga Rangers)
-
Webster Mulenga (Nakambala Leopards)
The inclusion of TP Mazembe stars such as Kalaba, Singuluma, and Sinkala adds experience and international pedigree to an otherwise locally based group. Rising star Patson Daka, then just 16, is also among those selected—an early indication of his future promise.
Zambia, under Janza’s guidance, is aiming to return to the continental stage with renewed energy after a disappointing 2015 AFCON campaign. The friendly against Malawi will serve as an important test of domestic depth and tactical readiness ahead of the qualifiers.
