Zambia AFCON 2027 Squad โ Key Facts
- Nation: ๐ฟ๐ฒ Zambia (Nickname: Chipolopolo โ the Copper Bullets)
- Interim head coach: George Lwandamina (Zambian) โ replaces departed Avram Grant
- Captain: Patson Daka (Hamburg SV, Germany)
- Squad size: 27 players
- AFCON 2027 group: Group I โ with ๐ฉ๐ฟ Algeria, ๐น๐ฌ Togo, ๐ง๐ฎ Burundi
- Matchday 1: Algeria vs Zambia โ 25 September 2026, 19:00 GMT (AWAY, Tizi Ouzou)
- Matchday 2: Zambia vs Togo โ 29 September 2026, 16:00 GMT (HOME, Ndola)
- Home venue: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola
- AFCON history: 2012 champions ยท 19 tournament appearances
- Recent form: Group stage exit at AFCON 2025 Morocco ยท Missed 2026 World Cup
Summary: Zambia interim head coach George Lwandamina has named a 27-man Chipolopolo squad for the opening AFCON 2027 qualifiers against Algeria and Togo. Captain Patson Daka (Hamburg SV) leads a squad that includes returning Saudi-based forward Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha) and a large domestic contingent from Zambia’s Super League. Notable absentees include Panathinaikos midfielder Kings Kangwa, who is serving a four-match CAF ban for an incident during AFCON 2025 against Morocco. Zambia open away to Algeria at Hocine Aรฏt Ahmed Stadium in Tizi Ouzou on 25 September before hosting Togo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on 29 September. This article covers the squad, coaching change context, Group I fixtures, and Zambia’s realistic qualification chances.
Zambia enter their AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign under new leadership. Interim head coach George Lwandamina has taken charge following the departure of Israeli tactician Avram Grant, and he’s tasked with steering the Chipolopolo through a tough Group I that includes traditional heavyweight Algeria. Captain Patson Daka carries the attacking responsibility with Kings Kangwa unavailable, and Zambia’s opening away trip to Algeria on 25 September is arguably the most difficult MD1 assignment of any nation in the qualifying campaign. This article covers everything Zambian fans need to know.
The New Coaching Situation โ Grant Out, Lwandamina In
The story of Zambia’s AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign begins with a coaching crisis. Avram Grant โ the former Chelsea and West Ham United manager who took Chipolopolo to back-to-back AFCON appearances ending Zambia’s long tournament absence โ mutually separated from the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in late October 2025.
The departure came after mounting pressure following:
- Zambia’s failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- A group-stage exit at AFCON 2025 in Morocco
- Zambian government halting funding to Chipolopolo pending FAZ response on results
- Public fallouts with senior players including a first exclusion of Fashion Sakala
Enter George Lwandamina โ the veteran Zambian coach who has now taken interim charge. Lwandamina brings deep knowledge of Zambian football and immediate credibility with players and fans. His first competitive assignment: an away trip to Algeria at Tizi Ouzou. Not the easiest introduction to international management.
Key Selection Storylines
๐ฟ๐ฒ Fashion Sakala Returns to the Fold
After being repeatedly excluded from Grant’s squads following a public fallout, Saudi Arabia-based Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha) has been recalled by Lwandamina. The former Rangers forward is one of Zambia’s most experienced attackers and brings European and Middle Eastern club pedigree. His inclusion signals a fresh start under the new coaching regime.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Kings Kangwa Suspended โ Four Match CAF Ban
Panathinaikos midfielder Kings Kangwa is the most notable absentee โ but not by choice. Kangwa is serving a four-match CAF ban imposed following an incident involving match officials during Zambia’s final group-stage match at AFCON 2025 against Morocco. He will miss both September fixtures and the entire November window.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Local Domestic Presence Strengthens
Lwandamina has increased the local contingent โ with players from Red Arrows (Angel Lubamba, Ricky Banda, Eliya Mandandi), Power Dynamos, Zanaco, Nchanga Rangers, and MUZA featuring prominently. This reflects a strategic shift toward blending domestic talent with the European contingent.
Key Players to Watch
๐ฟ๐ฒ Patson Daka (Hamburg SV) โ Captain, Striker
Zambia’s captain and primary goal threat. After his transfer to German Bundesliga side Hamburg SV, Daka enters the qualifiers with Europe-level tactical sharpness. He is Lwandamina’s most important player โ the Chipolopolo attack revolves around his movement and finishing.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia) โ Forward
Returning after the Grant-era exclusion. Sakala’s Saudi Pro League experience and physical style provide a genuine attacking partnership with Daka.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Kingstone Mutandwa (Servette, Switzerland) โ Forward
The Swiss Super League forward gives Zambia a third genuine attacking option. His recent move to Servette has added European tactical experience.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Miguel Chaiwa (Overseas-based) โ Midfielder
Key overseas-based midfield anchor. Provides tactical shield and progression for the Chipolopolo build-up play.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Lameck Banda (Libya-based) โ Winger/Midfielder
Recently moved to Libyan football, Banda gives Lwandamina attacking width and creativity.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Gamphani Lungu (Orlando Pirates, South Africa) โ Defender
PSL-based defender at Orlando Pirates brings South African Premier Soccer League experience and continental club football exposure.
๐ฟ๐ฒ Albert Kangwa (Young Africans, Tanzania) โ Key Player
Interestingly, one of Zambia’s key squad members plays club football in Tanzania โ with Young Africans, one of Tanzania’s biggest clubs. Kangwa knows the East African football environment well.
Group I โ Zambia’s Qualification Path
| Group I Team | FIFA Rank | Threat Level |
|---|---|---|
| ๐ฉ๐ฟ Algeria | Top 40 | Group favourite |
| ๐ฟ๐ฒ Zambia | ~87 | Fighting for 2nd slot |
| ๐น๐ฌ Togo | ~120 | Direct rival |
| ๐ง๐ฎ Burundi | ~150 | Weakest group opponent |
Qualification maths: The top TWO teams from Group I qualify for AFCON 2027 (this is not a host group). Algeria are the heavy favourites to take one automatic qualification slot. The second slot is a genuine three-way battle between Zambia, Togo and Burundi. Given Zambia’s traditional football pedigree and stronger European contingent, they should be favourites for the second slot โ provided they collect points against Togo and Burundi and don’t collapse against Algeria.
Zambia’s Matchday 1 and 2 Fixtures
| Matchday | Fixture | Date | Kick-off (GMT) | CAT (Zambia) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MD1 | ๐ฉ๐ฟ Algeria v Zambia ๐ฟ๐ฒ | 25 Sep 2026 | 19:00 | 21:00 | Stade Hocine Aรฏt Ahmed, Tizi Ouzou (Algeria) |
| MD2 | ๐ฟ๐ฒ Zambia v Togo ๐น๐ฌ | 29 Sep 2026 | 16:00 | 18:00 | Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola |
The MD1 away trip to Tizi Ouzou is genuinely difficult. Algeria are one of Africa’s most feared national teams at home, and the Berber city of Tizi Ouzou (60km east of Algiers) has hosted some of Algeria’s most successful national team performances. A draw would be an excellent result โ a win would be historic. The MD2 home fixture against Togo is the one Lwandamina absolutely must win to establish Zambia as the second-slot leader in Group I.
Recent Form โ The Case for Zambia
Zambia arrive at AFCON 2027 qualifying carrying scars โ but also with genuine building blocks:
- Failed to qualify for 2026 World Cup (finished 4th in group after losing 1-0 to Niger)
- Group stage exit at AFCON 2025 in Morocco
- Six-match qualifying campaign under Avram Grant produced mixed results
- New interim coach Lwandamina brings fresh energy and locally-informed selection
- Patson Daka’s move to Hamburg SV provides tactical growth
- Growing overseas contingent in European leagues, Middle East, and CAF competitions
Zambia are not the 2012 African champions of memory. But they are still a proud football nation with genuine attacking talent, and the Group I qualification path is achievable if Lwandamina can build cohesion quickly.
What Success Looks Like for Zambia
Realistic AFCON 2027 qualifying success for Chipolopolo requires:
- Winning the Togo home fixture on 29 September (non-negotiable)
- Taking at least a point away at Algeria on 25 September
- Winning both fixtures against Burundi across the November and March windows
- Getting Fashion Sakala firing again after his return from exclusion
- Patson Daka scoring regularly as captain
- Lwandamina proving himself as permanent coach rather than interim caretaker
Zambia’s second-slot qualification is genuinely achievable. The Algeria fixture is a free hit โ expectations are low. What matters is the collection of points against Togo and Burundi across six qualifying fixtures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the Zambia head coach for AFCON 2027 qualifiers?
George Lwandamina is the interim head coach of Zambia, taking over from Avram Grant, who mutually separated with the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) in October 2025 following mounting pressure over World Cup qualifying results.
What group are Zambia in for AFCON 2027 qualifiers?
Zambia are in Group I alongside Algeria, Togo, and Burundi. Top two qualify for the tournament in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda in June-July 2027.
When is Zambia’s first AFCON 2027 qualifier?
Zambia’s first AFCON 2027 qualifier is away to Algeria on 25 September 2026 at 19:00 GMT (21:00 CAT / 20:00 Algerian local time) at Stade Hocine Aรฏt Ahmed in Tizi Ouzou.
When is Zambia’s first home qualifier?
Zambia’s first home AFCON 2027 qualifier is against Togo on 29 September 2026 at 16:00 GMT (18:00 CAT) at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Why is Kings Kangwa not in the Zambia squad?
Panathinaikos midfielder Kings Kangwa is serving a four-match CAF suspension for an incident involving match officials during Zambia’s final group-stage match at AFCON 2025 against Morocco. He is ineligible for both the September and November qualifying fixtures.
Is Fashion Sakala back in the Zambia squad?
Yes. After being repeatedly excluded under previous coach Avram Grant following a public fallout, the Al Fayha (Saudi Pro League) forward has been recalled by interim coach George Lwandamina for the September qualifiers.
Who is the Zambia captain?
Hamburg SV striker Patson Daka is the Zambia national team captain and leads the Chipolopolo attack for the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
What is Zambia’s AFCON history?
Zambia won their first and only Africa Cup of Nations in 2012 in Libreville, Gabon (dramatically defeating Cรดte d’Ivoire in the final). They have appeared at 19 AFCON tournaments in total. Most recent tournament appearance was AFCON 2025 in Morocco, where they exited at the group stage.
What are Zambia’s realistic AFCON 2027 chances?
Zambia are strong second-slot favourites in Group I behind Algeria. Realistic qualification chances depend on beating Togo and Burundi in home fixtures and avoiding heavy defeats against Algeria. Anything less than 4th consecutive AFCON appearance would be viewed as a disappointment.
For the complete AFCON 2027 fixtures see our Matchday 1 & 2 schedule. For the full tournament overview see our AFCON 2027 dates guide. For the countdown to qualifying see our AFCON 2027 countdown article. Try our AFCON 2027 bracket predictor to simulate the tournament.
Squad and coach details based on Football Association of Zambia announcement, CAF fixture confirmations, and reporting from Lusaka Times, Africa Soccer, and Zambia Monitor. Article will be updated with the final 23-man squad list and any late changes.