Five international players boost Chipolopolo’s ranks

The Zambian National Team has received a significant boost with the arrival of five foreign-based players in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. This development comes just days before their crucial Group G qualifier match for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Edward Chilufya, an attacking midfielder from Danish club Midtjylland, and Songa Chipyoka of Israel's Hapoel Petah Tikva, were the most recent additions to the Chipolopolo camp.

Their arrival follows that of Stoppilla Sunzu, Kings Kangwa, and Gift Mphande earlier in the day, bringing the total number of foreign-based players to five.

Head coach Avram Grant now has 15 players at his disposal, with the squad expected to be complete later today.

The local contingent includes goalkeepers Lawrence Mulenga and Toaster Nsabata, as well as outfield players Victor Chabu, Kenneth Kasanga, Dominic Chanda, Killian Kanguluma, Kabaso Chongo, Zachariah Chilongoshi, and Tandi Mwape.

Unfortunately, Kelvin Kampamba of Libya's Al Nasr Benghazi will miss Friday's game due to the recent loss of his mother in Kitwe.

After facing Cote d’Ivoire on Friday, Zambia will return home to host Sierra Leone on 10 September in Ndola.