Mwila returns for Zambia after two-year absence, injured trio out
In-form striker Brian Mwila has been handed a return to the Zambian national team after a two-year absence after being named in the squad for the upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The 29-year-old is part of the 25-man squad named by experienced coach Avram Grant for the double-header against Congo Brazzaville and Niger.
Grant has largely stuck with the core group of players that secured Zambia's qualification to the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d’Ivoire.
However, injuries have ruled out Scotland-based defender Frankie Musonda and TP Mazembe's Kelvin Kapumbu.
Former Mazembe midfielder Tandi Mwape is also absent having been without a club since his contract expired.
The Chipolopolo squad blends seasoned professionals playing abroad with talented stars from the domestic league including Zanaco striker Mwila.
Mwila last played for the Chipolopolo during the 2022 World Cup qualifier against Equatorial Guinea at home when he was an unused substitute.
However, following his blistering form for Zanaco with four goals in three matches in the top-flight, Grant has ended his long spell on the sidelines with a call-up to boost the side’s attacking options.
Zambia will begin training in Ndola on 13 November before hosting Congo Brazzaville at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on 17 November.
Chipolopolo then travel to Marrakech to face Niger on 21 November.
The two matches are crucial for Zambia's hopes of reaching the 2026 World Cup in North America.
Following recent improved performances, there is optimism within the set-up that Chipolopolo can get a much-needed victory to build momentum towards qualification.
SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS: Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Green Buffaloes), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)
DEFENDERS: Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Stoppilla Sunzu (Jinan Xingzhou-China), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Luka Banda (Napsa Stars), Roderick Kabwe (Zakho SC-Iraq), Zephaniah Phiri (Prison Leopards)
MIDFIELDERS: Benson Sakala (FK Mlada-Czech), Andrew Mupande (Green Buffaloes), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov-Czech), Kings Kangwa (Crvena Zvezda-Serbia), Emanuel Banda (Club Rijeka-Croatia), Rally Bwalya (Sekhukhune-RSA), Clatous Chama (Simba-Tanzania), Lubambo Musonda (Sikeborg-Denmark), Edward Chilufya (BK Hacken-Sweden), Kelvin Kampamba (Zesco)
STRIKERS: Lameck Banda (Lecce-Italy), Brian Mwila (Zanaco), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha-Saudi Arabia), Evans Kangwa (Quindao Hainiu-China), Patson Daka (Leicester-England)