CAN 2027: Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala named in Zambia’s squad

The squad features 14 players based abroad and 12 from the Zambian league, while striker Chanka Zimba is currently without a club. Power Dynamos contributes the largest local contingent with five players, including goalkeepers Lawrence Mulenga and Willard Mwanza, as well as midfielder Owen Tembo.

Gamphani Lungu returns to the national team after approximately two years away. The Orlando Pirates forward is back in the fold after being named Player of the Month for August by his club, according to Zambian public television ZNBC.

Ricky Chanda, a defender for Nõmme United in Estonia, receives his first call-up to the senior national team. Midfielders David Simukonda, who plays for El Gouna, and Pascal Phiri, a player for Al-Ittihad Alexandria, are also among the expatriates selected.

The squad does not include Clatous Chama, despite his prolific start to the season with Simba SC. ZamFoot also reports injuries to Lubambo Musonda and Benson Sakala, two regulars in the Chipolopolo setup.

Zambia is in Group I of the qualifiers alongside Algeria, Togo, and Burundi. George Lwandamina has urged his players to focus on collective commitment and stated that his squad is prepared for the first two matches.

The Chipolopolo will travel to Algeria on September 25 before hosting Togo on September 29 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.