Grant Names 31-Man Provisional Squad for Morocco Clash

Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant has named a 31-man provisional squad for Zambia’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Morocco, set for September 8 at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.

The squad is boosted by the return of attacking duo Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala, who are expected to spearhead the frontline against the World Cup semi-finalists. Also included in attack are Kingstone Mutandwa, Edward Chilufya, and Kennedy Musonda.

The goalkeeping department will be handled by Toaster Nsabata, Lawrence Mulenga, Mwenya Chibwe, and Charles Kalumba. Defensively, Frankie Musonda, Kabaso Chongo, Benedict Chepeshi, and Gift Mphande headline the list, supported by Dominic Chanda, Obinno Chisala, David Hamansenya, and Mathews Banda.

Midfield is equally strong, with Lubambo Musonda, Benson Sakala, Kings Kangwa, Emmanuel Banda, and youngster Miguel Chaiwa providing depth. They are joined by Joseph Liteta, Joseph Sabobo Banda, Golden Mafwenta, Kelvin Kampamba, Abraham Siankombo, Gift Siame, Saddam Phiri, Lameck Banda, and Songa Chipyoka.

Grant said the match against Morocco is the start of a tough series of fixtures, which also includes the Africa Cup of Nations in January. “We are facing a very good team, a World Cup semi-finalist. When we played them away, we did very well. Now we start another package of games, and we want to do well like we did in the last qualification,” he said.

The coach stressed that the provisional call-up is part of creating healthy competition within the squad. “Some players are returning after missing the last qualifiers, while others proved themselves in the previous campaign. It’s important we have a big squad with players fighting for their place,” he added.

The final list will be trimmed down closer to match day.