Nyirenda names Zambia's tentative squad for COSAFA Cup

Photo Credit: Football Association of Zambia.

Zambia's senior national football team coach, Wedson Nyirenda, has named a tentative 35-member squad for the 2025 COSAFA Cup.

The tournament will run from 4 to 15 June 2025 in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Nyirenda has picked all home-based players, the notable ones being Power Dynamos FC’s goalkeeper Lawrence Mulenga and Zanaco FC midfielder Kelvin Kapumbu.

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has released the squad, indicating that it will be trimmed ahead of the tournament in Mangaung, Bloemfontein.

FAZ has further indicated that the COSAFA Cup will act as Chipolopolo’s preparations for the African Nations Championship finals in August and the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in September.

The Copper Bullets are in Group D alongside Comoros and Botswana. The Zambians will start the campaign against the islanders on June 6, 2025, before meeting Botswana five days later. The overall winner will proceed to the semifinal stage.

During the draw, other pools saw Eswatini drawn alongside Madagascar and giants Morocco in Group C. Hosts South Africa share Group A with six-time champions Zimbabwe, Mauritius, and Mozambique.

Holders Angola lead Group B, which consists of Namibia, Malawi, and Lesotho. The 14 teams were split into four groups, two comprising four teams each and the rest three. The winner of each group will proceed to the semifinals.

Zambia’s tentative squad:

GOALKEEPERS; Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Victor Chabu (Nchanga Rangers).

DEFENDERS; Happy Nsiku (Red Arrows), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Jackson Phiri (Bart’s FC), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Kedrick Mumba, Mathews Banda (both Nkana FC), Fred Mwiche (ZESCO United), Frederick Mwimanzi (ZANACO FC), Rodgers Lukonde (Kansanshi Dynamos).

MIDFIELDERS; Kelvin Kapumbu (ZANACO FC), Collins Makungu (Mufulira Wanderers), Luka Mutoshi, Kenneth Kasanga (both Nkwazi FC), Owen Tembo, Frederick Mulambia (both Power Dynamos), Harrison Chisala (Nkana FC), Anthony Chiyuka, Abraham Siankombo (both ZESCO United), Charles Zulu (Nkana FC), Ackim Mumba (Red Arrows), Martin Mweemba (Bart’s FC), Timothy Sichalwe (Atletico Lusaka), Golden Mashata (Green Buffaloes), Elliot Kampukesa (Nchanga Rangers).

STRIKERS; Kelvin Mwanza, Andrew Phiri (both FC MUZA), Titus Chansa (Power Dynamos), Evans Kayombo Jr (NAPSA Stars), Joseph Phiri (Red Arrows), Simon Mulenga (Green Eagles), Kenani Phiri (Makeni All Stars).