This Saturday, Zambia unveiled its official squad set to compete in the upcoming 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.
The national team, known as the Copper Bullets, is carrying high expectations into the tournament, and one player, in particular, is poised to lead the charge.
Patriot Daka, the 25-year-old star from Leicester City, assumes the mantle of responsibility as Zambia finds itself in Group 6, alongside Morocco, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The squad is set to depart for Saudi Arabia on Monday, entering a closed training camp in preparation for the continental competition taking place from January 13 to February 11.
Daka, a key fixture in Zambia’s lineup since his debut in 2015, has amassed 35 appearances and netted 12 goals for the national team.
Leading the Copper Bullets, he aspires to emulate the success of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, where Zambia claimed the championship.
Zambia’s participation in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations marks a return to the continental showcase after a five-year absence, having missed the tournaments in 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021.
The Zambia squad for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations is composed as follows:
Goalkeepers: Toaster Nsabata, Francis Mwansa, Lawrence Mulenga.
Defenders: Benedict Chepeshi, Stophilla Sunzu, Roderick Kabwe, Tandi Mwape, Dominic Chanda, Frankie Musonda, Gift Mwanku, Sefaniya Fwemba.
Midfielders: Emmanuel Banda, Lubambo Musonda, Kelvin Kampamba, Kelvin Mubanga, Edward Chilufya, Frederick Mwila, Golden Mafwenta, Miguel Chaiwa, Benson Sakala, Rally Bwalya, Kings Kangwa, Clatous Chama.
Forwards: Patson Daka (Leicester City), Kennedy Mweneda, Fashion Sakala (Al-Fayha Saudi), Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy).
Zambia’s national team looks to make a statement at the Africa Cup of Nations, with Patson Daka spearheading their campaign to clinch the prestigious continental title.
