Bakala names 40-man provisional squad for U17 AFCON tournament

Zambia U17 Men’s National Team coach, Ian Bakala, has summoned 40 players for the second phase of preparations ahead of the TotalEnergies U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) set for March 30 to April 19, 2025 in Morocco.

The majority of the players were part of the initial one-week camp held in January as the team continues to fine-tune for the continental showpiece.

Bakala and his technical bench would use the upcoming camp to assess the players’ progress and refine tactics as Zambia eyes a strong performance in Morocco.

The 2025 U17 AFCON would be the 15th edition of the tournament and has been expanded from 12 to 16 teams.

It would also serve as a pathway to the FIFA U17 World Cup in November 2025, with the top 10 African nations securing qualification.

Provisional Squad

GOALKEEPERS

Rodgers Simumba (Shamuel Academy), William Zulu (Blaze Sporting), Kumbu Nyirenda (Billy Pro Sport)

DEFENDERS

Ben Chembe (Bristol Academy), James Sibene (Sporting Lusaka), Orton Phiri, Jonathan Kalimina (Kafue Celtic), Jonathan Mudenda (Atletico Lusaka), Kelvin Simukoko (Game On Academy), Emmanuel Mbuti, Saviour Mwansa (both Young Crocs), Tembani Ngoma (Cubs Academy), Moses Phiri (Hamz Academy), David Chiwisa (Relentless Kings Academy), Malama Chama (Young Red Arrows)

MIDFIELDERS

Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars), Caristo Munkombwe (Nangweshi Pirates), 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), Chongo Kangwa (Billy Pro Sport), Daniel Sulubonde (Mines United), Gabriel Kaunda (Kingstone Academy), Godfrey Kampamba (OYDC), Russell Kalumbeta, Aston Chishimba (both Atletico Lusaka), Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco), Nevers Kandingwa (Young Forest)

STRIKERS

Abel Salim Nyirongo, Robert Banda (both Atletico Lusaka), James Chisenga (BUSA), Kelvin Mulenga (Young Forest), Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates), Jimmy Banda (Collins Mbesuma Academy), Charles Kampamba (Matero United), William Sukumuna (Mpika Youth)

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