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Zambia U17 Squad Trimmed From 40 To 35 Players Ahead of AFCON Preparations
Zambia U17 Men’s National Team coach Ian Bakala has named a 35-member provisional squad for the latest training camp as preparations for the TotalEnergies U17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 gain momentum.
The squad, which has been reduced from 40 players in the previous two camps, will regroup on Sunday (today) as the technical bench refines the team ahead of the continental showpiece.
Zambia has been drawn in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Uganda and Tanzania for the tournament which will run from March 30 to April 19, 2025.
The competition will mark the 15th edition of the U17 AFCON and, for the first time, has been expanded from 12 to 16 teams.
It also serves as a qualification pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup set for November 2025 with the top 10 African nations securing a spot on the global stage.
35-MEMBER PROVISIONAL SQUAD
GOALKEEPERS
Rodgers Simumba (Shamuel Academy), Arthur Tembo (Kafue Eagles), Caristo Chitambala (Eroma FC), Kumbu Nyirenda (Billy Pro Sport)
DEFENDERS
Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic), Orton Phiri (Morkverd), Emmanuel Mbuti, Saviour Mwansa (both Young Crocs), Moses Phiri (Hamz Academy), David Chiwisa (Relentless Kings Academy), Charles Muonga (Maisa Academy), Nevers Kandingwa (Young Forest), George Mwale (Patdan)
MIDFIELDERS
James Nene Sibeene (Sporting Lusaka), Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars), Mike Mutale Bwalya (Makeni All Stars), Gift Mumbi (Game On Academy), Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA Stars), Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth), Nthasilwe Malupande (Young Crocs), Vincent Mutondo (Central City), Nkotami Chimwemwe (Mpongwe United), Handson Zulu (Chawama United), Godfrey Kampamba (OYDC), Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco), Terrence Tembo (Mines United), Daniel Sulubonde (Mines Police)
STRIKERS
Abel Salim Nyirongo, Robert Banda (both Atletico Lusaka), Isaac Chisoya Muyuka (Kacha FC), Joshua Chilufya (Mphande Youth), Kelvin Mulenga Chipelu (Young Forest), Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates), Jimmy Banda (Collins Mbesuma Academy), Emmanuel Chikwanda (Modern Skills Academy)
