Written by Aaron Mubanga JnrZambia sports betting writer
Published 9 November 2026
Zambia Under-23 coach Chisi Mbewe has settled on a 22-man squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations qualifying tie against Burkina Faso, with Eliya Mandanji, Given Kalusa and Spain-based Gift Siame among the headline selections.
Red Arrows forward Mandanji and FC MUZA midfielder Kalusa are included in a squad that blends emerging domestic talent with players gaining experience abroad as the Junior Chipolopolo prepare for a crucial two-legged encounter.
Mandanji will be hoping to carry his promising form into the international assignment after featuring among the goalscorers in Zambia’s 4-3 practice match victory over Kafue Celtic at Nkoloma Stadium.
The young forward has emerged as one of the exciting attacking prospects in the domestic game and will be looking to make an impression as Mbewe’s side begin their qualification campaign.
Kalusa and Siame bring experience
Kalusa brings additional experience to the squad, having already featured for the senior national team. The FC MUZA midfielder made his Chipolopolo debut in November 2025 before earning a place in Zambia’s squad for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Another notable inclusion is Gift Siame, who continues his development in Spain with CD Leganés B. The midfielder made his senior international debut against South Africa in November 2025 and will be among the players expected to provide quality and experience in the middle of the park.
Banda ruled out through injury
However, Mbewe will have to do without midfielder Joseph Sabobo Banda, who has been ruled out through an injury sustained on club duty with Armenian side Alashkert.
Banda was part of the initial 23-man provisional squad but has withdrawn from the assignment, leaving Mbewe with 22 players for the qualifiers.
Ouagadougou first, then Lusaka
The Junior Chipolopolo will travel to Ouagadougou for the first leg on 11 November before hosting Burkina Faso in the return fixture at the National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on 15 November.
With a place at the 2027 Africa U23 Cup of Nations in Egypt at stake, Zambia will be aiming to negotiate the two-legged tie successfully and keep their hopes of reaching the continental finals alive.
The tournament will also serve as a qualifying pathway to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Zambia U23 final squad
- Goalkeepers: Christo Chitambala (Kabwe Warriors), Anotole Bweupe (Roan United), Hendrix Kanyungulu (Green Eagles)
- Defenders: Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic), Sekanji Siame (Power Dynamos), Hedson Paina Mapulanga (Green Eagles), Charles Buyoya (Aguilla), Happy Nsiku (ZESCO United), Lyson Banda (Green Buffaloes), Duncan Musialela (Green Eagles)
- Midfielders: Elvis Mulenga (Red Arrows), Humphrey Bwembya (Kabwe Warriors), Benjamin Saeli (Konkola Blades), David Simukonda (El Gouna, Egypt), Tumelo Mununga (CD Leganés B, Spain), Given Kalusa (FC MUZA), Gift Siame (CD Leganés B, Spain)
- Strikers: Anthony Shipanuka (ZESCO United), Eliya Mandanji (Red Arrows), Emmanuel Mutale (Gulf United, UAE), Pascal Phiri (Al Ittihad, Egypt), Caleb Musonda (Kafue Celtic)
