Written by Aaron Mubanga JnrZambia sports betting writer
Published 9 November 2026
Chipolopolo interim coach George ‘Chicken’ Lwandamina has named a 30-man provisional squad for Zambia’s back-to-back 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Group I qualifiers against Burundi. Zambia will be without suspended midfielder Klings Kangwa for Friday’s home fixture, but the midfielder will be available for the return encounter in Bujumbura.
Lwandamina has blended foreign-based players with some of the domestic league’s standout performers, including in-form ZESCO United striker Kennedy Musonda, fit-again Red Arrows defender Zephaniah Phiri and midfielder Ackim Mumba.
Portugal-based forward Chanka Zimba has earned a recall following his move to GD Vitória de Sernache, while ZESCO United defender Gift Mphande has also made the cut.
The squad has since assembled in Ndola, with foreign-based players expected to join the camp when the FIFA international window opens today, 9 November. Lwandamina is expected to trim the provisional squad to 26 players ahead of the fixtures.
Kangwa available for the return leg
Meanwhile, CAF has confirmed that midfielder Klings Kangwa will be available for Zambia’s return fixture against Burundi after completing his 4-match suspension.
Kangwa will miss Friday’s home encounter at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium as he serves the final match of his ban, which followed his red card during Zambia’s 3-0 defeat by Morocco at the 2025 AFCON.
The midfielder was sent off in stoppage time despite having been replaced by Given Kalusa in the 79th minute. CAF subsequently extended his suspension to 4 matches following an altercation with the match official during and after the incident.
His availability for the return leg on 17 November will provide Lwandamina with an additional option as the Chipolopolo look to collect maximum points from the double-header.
Where Zambia stand in Group I
Zambia will host Burundi in Ndola on 13 November before travelling to Bujumbura for the return fixture four days later.
The Chipolopolo currently sit second in Group I with 3 points from 2 matches, 1 point behind leaders Algeria. Togo are also on 3 points, while Burundi occupy bottom place with 1 point.
The two encounters offer Zambia an important opportunity to strengthen their position in the qualification race and boost their hopes of reaching the 2027 AFCON finals.
The tournament, branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
Zambia provisional squad
- Goalkeepers: Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Luka Mainza (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers)
- Defenders: Mathews Banda (Bohemians Praha FC, Czech Republic), Zephaniah Phiri (Red Arrows), Owen Mwamba (Red Arrows), David Hamansenya (FC Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic), Gift Mphande (ZESCO United), Tinklar Sinkala (Zanaco), Ricky Chanda (Nõmme United, Estonia), Jackson Phiri (Konkola Blades), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), William Kamwanga (Mufulira Wanderers)
- Midfielders: Lameck Banda (Sewhly FC, Libya), Gamphani Lungu (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Joshua Mutale (Power Dynamos), Wilson Chisala (Power Dynamos), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), Obino Chisala (Al Merreikh, Sudan), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Ackim Mumba (Red Arrows), Kelvin Mwanza (FC MUZA), Allan Mumba (ZESCO United)
- Forwards: Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Albert Kangwanda (Young Africans, Tanzania), Patson Daka (Hamburger SV, Germany), Kennedy Musonda (ZESCO United), Chanka Zimba (GD Vitória de Sernache, Portugal)
Some players have been left out of the assignment because they are part of the Zambia Under-23 squad scheduled to face Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou on 11 November and at Heroes Stadium four days later.
