Zambia name 32-man CHAN squad with sights set on East African success

Zambia head coach Avram Grant has named a 32-man provisional squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024, placing his faith in a new generation of home-based talent to lead Chipolopolo’s charge in East Africa.

Grant has combined experience and youth in his latest selection, banking on Zambia’s strong domestic league to provide the spark in a highly competitive Group A featuring hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Morocco, and Angola.

The squad includes key figures such as Kelvin Kampamba of Zesco United, midfield dynamo Prince Mumba of Power Dynamos, and the versatile Charles Zulu from Nkana.

Experienced defenders Kabaso Chongo and Benedict Chepeshi and promising attackers Charles Zulu, Evans Kayombo, and Andrew Phiri were also included.

Zambia will begin their CHAN journey against DR Congo on 7 August, followed by a clash with Angola three days later.

A heavyweight tie against defending champions Morocco awaits on 14 August, before rounding off the group campaign with a fixture against co-hosts Kenya.

This year’s edition marks Zambia’s fifth appearance at the tournament, having previously featured in 2009, 2016, 2018, and 2020.

Their best finish came in the inaugural 2009 edition, where they clinched bronze.

With East Africa co-hosting for the first time across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from 2 to 30 August, the stage is set for Chipolopolo to script a fresh chapter in their CHAN history.

The squad, drawn from Zambia’s top-flight clubs, reflects a phased preparation process. Several players featured in the COSAFA Cup, while domestic training camps have been ongoing in Lusaka.

A final training camp will be held in East Africa ahead of the competition.

The former Ghana and Chelsea boss will use the tournament not only to target continental success, but also to build momentum towards the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers and the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

Below is Zambia’s full provisional squad for the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship:

Full Zambia Provisional Squad – CHAN 2024

Goalkeepers

• Francis Mwansa (Zanaco)

• Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

• Levison Banda (Zesco United)

• Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)

Defenders

• Benedict Chepeshi (Zesco United)

• Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United)

• Mathews Banda (Nkana)

• Kendrick Mumba (Nkana)

• Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors)

• Kebson Kamanga (Red Arrows)

• Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows)

• Lyson Banda (Green Buffaloes)

• Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)

• John Chishimba (Zanaco)

Midfielders

• Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)

• Frederick Mulambia (Power Dynamos)

• Prince Mumba (Power Dynamos)

• Kelvin Kapumbu (Konkola Blades)

• Wilson Chisala (Zanaco)

• Philimon Chilimina (Green Buffaloes)

• Rally Bwalya (Napsa Stars)

• Abraham Siankombo (Zesco United)

• Kelvin Kampamba (Zesco United)

• Jackson Kampamba (Mutondo Stars)

• Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi)

• Timothy Sichalwe (Athletico)

• Kelvin Mwanza (MUZA FC)

Strikers

• Andrew Phiri (MUZA FC)

• Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars)

• Charles Zulu (Nkana)

• Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows)

• Kenan Phiri (Makeni All Stars)