Grant Explains Sunzu, Mwape Absence

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has announced a 31-man provisional squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco on September 8 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The list is headlined by the return of forward Fashion Sakala, who has missed out for close to a year and is expected to play a pivotal role in attack against the Atlas Lions.

Grant revealed that experienced defenders Stophila Sunzu and Tandi Mwape miss out due to injury, despite their importance to past campaigns.

“Unfortunately, we don’t have Sunzu, who is injured, and Tandi, who was part of this success. I wish them a speedy recovery,” he said.

The coach explained that the larger squad is designed to assess players’ readiness at the start of the season. “September is tricky because some players are playing, some are only training, and others haven’t started their league season. That’s why we have 31 players, but the squad will be reduced closer to the game,” he added.

Full Provisional Squad

Goalkeepers: Toaster Nsabata, Lawrence Mulenga, Mwenya Chibwe, Charles Kalumba.
Defenders: Frankie Musonda, Kabaso Chongo, Benedict Chepeshi, Gift Mphande, Dominic Chanda, Obinno Chisala, David Hamansenya, Mathews Banda.

Midfielders: Lubambo Musonda, Benson Sakala, Emmanuel Banda, Kings Kangwa, Miguel Chaiwa, Joseph Liteta, Joseph Sabobo Banda, Golden Mafwenta, Kelvin Kampamba, Abraham Siankombo, Gift Siame, Saddam Phiri, Lameck Banda, Songa Chipyoka.

Forwards: Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, Kingstone Mutandwa, Edward Chilufya, Kennedy Musonda.