Zambia’s Injury Woes: Key Players Ruled Out of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers

By Esther E. Otto

As Zambia prepares for the crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualifiers against Chad, the team has faced major setbacks with the official ruling out of four key players, further adding to the country’s mounting injury concerns.

US Lecce winger Lameck Banda and Edward Chilufya from Denmark’s Midtjylland were the initial casualties, sidelined due to knee and groin injuries respectively. Chilufya’s impactful performance in the UEFA Europa League, where he scored a crucial goal, was cut short by his injury.

Evans Kangwa of Qingdao Hainiu and Kingstone Mutandwa of Cagliari have been called up to replace the injured duo, stepping in to fill the void left by Banda and Chilufya.

Adding to the woes, team captain Lubambo Musonda sustained an injury during a recent match, forcing his withdrawal from the squad. Dominic Chanda of Power Dynamos has been named as his replacement by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ).

Amidst these challenges, Avram Grant’s provisional team, including foreign-based players like Frankie Musonda and Evans Kangwa, have regrouped in Ndola to prepare for the upcoming qualifiers.

Emmanuel Banda of Al Tai has received a late call-up, while defender Stoppilla Sunzu faces uncertainty due to a pending fitness test, highlighting the uncertainties surrounding the team’s lineup.

Zambia is set to face Chad at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola before traveling to Yaoundé, Cameroon for the second leg, aiming to secure back-to-back victories in this international window to boost their chances of qualifying for the AfCON, provided Ivory Coast also emerges victorious against Sierra Leone.

Currently ranked second in Group G, Zambia faces a critical juncture in their campaign, with leaders Ivory Coast setting the pace in the group standings