Chipolopolo Stars Head to Spain For Final Afcon Preparations

Zambia's national football team has jetted off to Spain as final preparations intensify for the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, with coach Moses Sichone unveiling a star-studded 28-man squad for the continental tournament.

A 22-member contingent departed Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on Wednesday afternoon at 14:30 hours yesterday aboard Airlink Airlines, with the squad set to link up with their foreign-based teammates in Murcia, Spain. The training camp, scheduled from December 11-17, 2025, represents the Chipolopolo's last opportunity to fine-tune tactics before the tournament kicks off.

Sichone has assembled an impressive roster featuring some of Zambia's brightest talents plying their trade across the globe. Leicester City striker Patson Daka headlines the attacking options, bringing Premier League experience and clinical finishing to the squad. He will be supported by Austria Vienna's Jack Lahne Kalichi and Saudi-based Fashion Sakala, forming a potent striking partnership.

The midfield boasts considerable quality with Hibernian's Miguel Changa Chaiwa and Power Dynamos captain Owen Tembo expected to provide creativity and leadership. In defence, experienced campaigner Stopilla Sunzu brings invaluable know-how, while Red Arrows' Dominic Chanda and Al Merreikh's Obino Chisala add depth to the backline.

Between the posts, Power Dynamos' Lawrence Mulenga is expected to be Sichone's first choice, with strong competition from Francis Mwansa and Willard Mwanza.

Zambia are in Group A, drawn alongside tournament hosts Morocco, perennial contenders Mali, and Comoros. The Chipolopolo will be hoping their Spanish training camp provides the perfect platform to replicate their historic 2012 AFCON triumph and once again make the nation proud on Africa's biggest football stage.