Workaholic and versatile Gampani Lungu on the move
Orlando Pirates forward Gamphani Lungu has made a sensational return to the Zambia national team for the first time in two years, after being named in the 27-member squad for the upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Algeria and Togo.
Lungu, who has been in impressive form for South African side Orlando Pirates, returns to the Chipolopolo set-up as interim head coach George Lwandamina makes several changes to the squad.
However, in-form Simba SC midfielder Clatous Chota Chama has been left out despite his excellent start to the season. Chama has scored five goals for the Tanzanian giants, including a brace in their CAF Champions League match on Sunday.
There are also notable absences through injury, with captain Lubambo Musonda and Benson Sakala ruled out.
Lwandamina has handed first senior call-ups to Nõmme United defender Ricky Chanda, while Egypt-based duo Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda have also been included.
Red Arrows goalkeeper Luka Mainza has been selected ahead of Toaster Nsabata, as previously reported by the ZamFoot Crew.
Fredrick Mwimanzi, Given Kalusa, Tinkler Sinkala and Owen Mwamba are among the other players included in the squad.
Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala and Lameck Banda headline the attacking options, alongside Servette forward Kingston Mutandwa, Young Africans striker Albert Kangwanda and Red Arrows forward Eliya Mandanji.
Panathinaikos midfielder Klings Kangwa will miss both qualifiers through suspension.
Kangwa is serving a four-match CAF ban stemming from an incident involving match officials during Zambia’s final group-stage match against Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfielder was sent off in added time after being substituted in the 79th minute, and CAF subsequently extended his suspension to four matches. He has already served part of the ban, including during Zambia’s March international programme, but still has two matches to serve against Algeria and Togo before completing the suspension.
Zambia will travel to Algeria on 25 September before hosting Togo on 29 September at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
The Chipolopolo are in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo and Burundi, with the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Zambia squad for 2027 AFCON qualifiers
Goalkeepers
Victor Chabu — Nchanga Rangers, Zambia
Lawrence Mulenga — Power Dynamos, Zambia
Luka Mainza — Red Arrows, Zambia
Willard Mwanza — Power Dynamos, Zambia
Defenders
Mathews Banda — Bohemians Praha, Czech Republic
Owen Mwamba — Red Arrows, Zambia
Obinno Chisala — Al-Merreikh, Sudan
David Hamasenya — Slovan Liberec, Czech Republic
Dominic Chanda — Power Dynamos, Zambia
Tinkler Sinkala — Zanaco, Zambia
Ricky Chanda — Nõmme United, Estonia
Fredrick Mwimanzi — Zanaco, Zambia
Midfielders
Owen Tembo — Power Dynamos, Zambia
Wilson Sosho Chisala — Power Dynamos, Zambia
Joseph Liteta — Cagliari, Italy
Miguel Changa Chaiwa — Hibernian, Scotland
David Simukonda — El Gouna, Egypt
Given Kalusa — FC MUZA, Zambia
Pascal Phiri — Al-Ittihad Alexandria, Egypt
Gamphani Jones Lungu — Orlando Pirates, South Africa
Lameck Banda — Swehly, Libya
Forwards
Fashion Sakala — Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia
Patson Daka — Hamburg, Germany
Kingston Mutandwa — Servette, Switzerland
Albert Kangwanda — Young Africans, Tanzania
Eliya Mandanji — Red Arrows, Zambia
Chanka Solomon Zimba — Unattached
