Mulwanda Summons 36 Local Bullets for AFCON Preps

04.04.2025 | Football DNA

Zambia Under-20 Men’s National Team coach Boyd Mulwanda has summoned 36 local players as he begins preparations for the Egypt 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to kick off on April 26. With a promising squad at his disposal, Mulwanda is leaving no stone unturned as he sets his sights on success at the prestigious tournament.

The initial squad consists of local players, but Mulwanda has also lined up 13 foreign-based stars who will join the team during the final stages of preparation. The inclusion of these foreign-based players will bring added experience and skill to the squad, making it a blend of homegrown talent and international expertise.

Zambia's AFCON Group C Challenge

Zambia has been drawn into a competitive Group C alongside Senegal, Kenya, and Sierra Leone. This challenging group means that Coach Mulwanda will need to carefully assess his squad as the tournament draws nearer. The team will enter camp this weekend, where the coaches will begin the process of trimming the squad in preparation for the competition.

With the tournament starting in less than a month, Mulwanda will be keeping his fingers crossed for the availability of the foreign-based players. The timing of the tournament, which falls outside the FIFA window, presents a potential hurdle for the inclusion of these players, but Mulwanda remains optimistic.

Zambia’s Solid AFCON Presence

The 2025 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations marks an important year for Zambia, as it is also the year the country has qualified for all the CAF competitions. This speaks to the strength and talent emerging from Zambian football, and Coach Mulwanda is focused on continuing that momentum with the Under-20 squad.

Full Provisional Squad for Egypt 2025 AFCON:

Goalkeepers:

• Levison Banda (Zesco United)

• Mapalo Chitundu (Kansanshi Dynamos)

• Eric Makungu (Chirundu United)

• Shadreck Kalyati (Kafue Celtic)

Defenders:

• Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows)

• Mwenya Mwape (Zanaco)

• Mathews Banda (Nkana)

• Samson Ngulube, Charles Buyoya (both Kafue Celtic)

• Sekanji Siame (Power Dynamos)

• Emmanuel Lungu (Green Eagles)

• Musadabwe Mwanza, Danny Bwalya (both Nchanga Rangers)

• Whitson Banda (Napsa Stars)

Midfielders:

• David Simukonda (Zesco United)

• Perkins Mumba (Green Buffaloes)

• Humphrey Kabwembya (Forest Rangers)

• Moses Simpasa, Thomas Chisi (both Atletico Lusaka)

• Obvious Mwaliteta, Lawrence Banda (both Aguila Stars)

• Jackson Ngoma, Thomas Chisempele (both Napsa Stars)

• Tryson Banda (Kabwe Warriors)

• Emmanuel Mutale (Nkana)

• Ndonji Nkandu (Nchanga Rangers)

Strikers:

• Benson Kapeshi, Raymond Mwiinga (both Atletico Lusaka)

• Felix Banda, Philimon Chilimina (both Green Buffaloes)

• Anthony Shipanuka, Patrick Simwinga (both Red Arrows)

• Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)

• Osward Katungu (Kings Academy)

• Eliya Mundanji (Kafue Celtic)

• Samuel Muyembe (Cayots FC)

Foreign-Based Players:

• Ricky Chanda (Riteriai-Estonia)

• Gift Siame (Leganes-Spain)

• Trywell Giwa (Luton FC-England)

• David Hamansenya (Leganes-Spain)

• Joseph Sabobo Banda (FC Zurich-Switzerland)

• Kelvin Phiri (Elite Falcons-UAE)

• Aaron Mbemba (Cadiz-Spain)

• Andrew Mulenga (Porto Victoria-Brazil)

• Jaedyn Chibanga (Hull City-England)

• Joseph Liteta (Cagliari-Italy)

• Bonephanseo Phiri (Locomotive Tibilis-Georgia)

• Frank Chileshe (Locomotive Tibilis-Georgia)

• Chuulu Johnson (Aylestone Park FC-Australia)

As the team begins its preparations, the road to Egypt is filled with excitement and anticipation. Fans across Zambia are hopeful that the Under-20 team will continue the nation’s strong football legacy and compete with pride on the continental stage. Stay tuned for more updates as the tournament approaches!