AFCON: Lameck Banda says Zambia motivated to play ‘so called big teams’

Zambia national team striker Lameck Banda believes the Chipolopolo have what it takes to perform strongly at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

With the 35th edition of the tournament set to kick off on Sunday, Zambia have been drawn against heavyweight opponents Mali, Comoros, and hosts Morocco.

Speaking after Zambia’s first training session at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, Banda said the players are highly motivated and eager to test themselves against Africa’s traditional powerhouses.

Zambia determined to make amends at AFCON

“We are actually motivated to play the so-called big teams. These are the games every player wants to be part of,” Banda told FAZ Media.

The forward added that Zambia is determined to make amends following their early exit at the previous AFCON, saying the team has learnt valuable lessons.

“Obviously last time we did not do well, but we now have a chance to utilise the knowledge we gathered and do better at this year’s Africa’s biggest football bonanza,” he said.

The Chipolopolo arrived in Casablanca on Friday, and Zambia will open their AFCON campaign at the Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca on December 22 against Mali.

With the full squad now in camp, head coach Moses Sichone is optimistic about assembling a competitive and efficient side capable of progressing beyond the group stages.

Zambia’s final 28-man squad for AFCON;

Goalkeepers
• Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos)
• Francis Mwansa (Zanaco)
• Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos)

Defenders
• Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China)
• Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC)
• Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United)
• Matthews Banda (Nkana)
• Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos)
• Gift Mphande (Zesco United)
• Obino Chisala (Al-Merikh SC, Sudan)
• David Hamasenya (Leganés, Spain)
• Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Republic)

Midfielders
• Miguel Changa Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland)
• Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos)
• Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy)
• Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel)
• Given Kalusa (FC MUZA)
• David Simukonda (Zesco United)
• Wilson Chisala (Zanaco)
• Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel)
• Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy)
• Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia)
• Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany)
• Pascal Phiri (Zesco United)

Strikers
• Patson Daka (Leicester City, England)
• Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria)
• Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel)
• Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco)

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