Zambia U17 coach, Bakala, names 40-man squad for TotalEnergies AFCON preparations

Zambia U17 Men’s National Team coach Ian Bakala has called 40 players to kick-start preparations for the TotalEnergies U17 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The squad, which secured qualification for the tournament as the 2024 COSAFA U17 champions, will commence a one-week training camp from 19-25 January 2025.

The preparatory camp marks the junior Chipolopolo’s first step in gearing up for the continental competition set to take place in Morocco from 30 March to 19 April 2025.

Leading the squad are standout players Abel Salim Nyirongo, the top scorer at the 2024 COSAFA U17 Championship and Mapalo Simute, who was named the tournament’s best player.

The squad includes a blend of returning champions and fresh talent scouted from across the country.

The AFCON tournament will also serve as a pathway to the 2025 FIFA U17 World Cup, with the top 10 teams earning qualification to the expanded global event scheduled to take place in Qatar later this year.

PROVISIONAL SQUAD

GOALKEEPERS
Rodgers Simumba (Shamuel Academy), William Zulu (Blaze Sporting Lusaka FC), Jonathan Mudenda (Atletico Lusaka), Arthur Tembo (Kafue Eagles)

DEFENDERS
Otton Phiri (Morkved Sports Klub), James Sibene (Sporting Lusaka), Jonathan Kalimina, Saviour Mwansa, Emmanuel Mbuti (all Kafue Celtic), Malama Chanda (Red Arrows), Justin Mukuka (Air Power FC), Moses Phiri (Blue Bullets), Kelvin Simukoko (On On Academy),

MIDFIELDERS
Mapalo Simute (Mkushi Rising Stars), Mike Mutale (Makeni All Stars), Felix Phiri (Lusaka Youth Soccer Academy), Robert Banda, Aston Chishimba, Russell Kalumbete (all Atletico Lusaka)Nthasilwe Malupande (Kafue Celtic), Vincent Mutondo (Central City Academy), Gift Mumbi (Game on Academy), Gabriel Phiri (NAPSA Stars), Jimmy Banda (Collins Mbesuma Academy), Nkotami Chimwemwe (Mpongwe United), Joseph Zulu (Nangweshi Pirates), Bongani Ndhlovu (Young Zanaco), Gabriel Kaunda (Kingstone Academy), Ben Chembe (Bristol Academy), Blessing Kabwe, Charles Mponda (both RM Academy), Kelvin Mulenga (Young Forest Rangers), Charles Kampamba (Lilanda Boys), Godfrey Kampamba (Red Lions), Samuel Chisela (Vicrich Academy)

STRIKERS
Abel Salim Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka), Mwiza Mpondamali (Vickrich Academy), James Chisenga (BUSA), Daniel Silubanda (Morkved Sports Klub), Kaulu Mwelwa (Air Power)

WARNING! All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.