Harambee Stars Opponent Zambia Name Formidable Africa Nations Championship Squad

Harambee Stars’ opponents in the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN), Zambia, have named a strong provisional squad ahead of the tournament set to kick off on August 2.

The Copper Bullets will face co-hosts Kenya, Morocco, Angola, and DR Congo in what has been dubbed the “group of death.”

Among the notable inclusions in the Zambian squad is striker Ricky Banda, who returns from a short loan stint with Sudanese giants Al Merriekh in the Mauritanian league.

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Banda, who plies his trade with Red Arrows, joined the squad for training at the University of Lusaka on Wednesday, signaling his readiness to spearhead Zambia’s attacking threat.

Zambia coach Avram Grant, who has been working with the local-based squad, expressed his commitment to building a competitive team both for now and the future.

“I came to Zambia to do something for the long term, not only for the short term. For the short term it’s okay,” Grant said.

The former Chelsea boss acknowledged the challenges posed by Zambia’s difficult group but maintained confidence in his side’s ability to compete.

“We have a tough, tough group, as I understand. Very tough group. So what? Our target is to be tough to the other teams,” he added.

Zambia’s best performance at CHAN came in 2009 when they clinched third place after beating Senegal 2-1 in the playoff. With the tournament returning to East Africa and jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Zambians will be looking to emulate or surpass that milestone.

Despite having few players based in Europe, Grant believes the CHAN competition is a perfect platform to polish raw local talent.

“We don’t have many players in Europe. I hope that we will have more through even this competition,” he said.

“Because there are good players in Zambia, but they need to be polish and developed.”

The 31-man provisional squad features a blend of experience and youth drawn entirely from the domestic league. Goalkeeping duties are likely to be shared between Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Levison Banda (Zesco United), and Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows).

Defensively, Zambia will rely on seasoned campaigners like Benedict Chepeshi and Kabaso Chongo (both Zesco United), supported by promising names such as Kendrick Mumba (Nkana) and Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors).

The midfield boasts depth and creativity with players like Prince Mumba, Owen Tembo, and Abraham Siankombo set to orchestrate play. Veteran campaigners like Kelvin Kampamba and Rally Bwalya are also included, offering leadership and composure in the middle of the park.

In attack, the returning Ricky Banda will join Andrew Phiri (MUZA), Charles Zulu (Nkana), and Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars) as Zambia looks to pose a formidable threat in front of goal.

The tournament runs from August 2 to 27, with Zambia eyeing a strong start in their opener against co-hosts Kenya.

Full Provisional Squad:

GOALKEEPERS

Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos), Levison Banda (Zesco United), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows)

DEFENDERS

Benedict Chepeshi, Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), Mathews Banda, Kendrick Mumba (Nkana), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Kebson Kamanga, Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Lyson Banda (Green Buffaloes), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), John Chishimba (Zanaco)

MIDFIELDERS

Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia, Prince Mumba (Power Dynamos), Kelvin Kapumbu (Konkola Blades), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Philimon Chilimina (Green Buffaloes), Rally Bwalya (Napsa Stars), Abraham Siankombo, Kelvin Kampamba (Zesco United), Jackson Kampamba (Mutondo Stars), Kenneth Kasanga (Nkwazi), Timothy Sichalwe (Athletico), Kelvin Mwanza (Muza FC)

STRIKERS

Andrew Phiri (MUZA), Evans Kayombo (Napsa Stars), Charles Zulu (Nkana), Ricky Banda, Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Kenan Phiri (Makeni All Stars)