Zambia’s Under-20 Men’s National Team has travelled to Mozambique for the 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)/ COSAFA Qualifier, which will bring together 12 teams from September 18 to 27.
The Junior Chipolopolo, led by coach Perry Mutapa, left Lusaka at 13:30 hours aboard South African Airways as they began their journey in pursuit of regional glory. Mutapa has named a 26-member squad for the tournament, with Zambia drawn in Group C alongside Malawi, Comoros and Botswana.
The record 12-time champions will enter the competition with high expectations as they seek to reclaim the regional title for the first time since 2022 and extend their record to 13 COSAFA Under-20 titles. Zambia has been fine-tuning preparations for the tournament, with Mutapa using recent practice matches to assess his squad and address key areas ahead of the competition.
The 12 participating teams have been divided into three groups of four, with the group winners and the best-performing teams progressing according to the tournament regulations.
Hosts Mozambique headline Group A alongside Mauritius, Namibia and Seychelles. Group B comprises South Africa, Angola, Lesotho and Eswatini, while Group C features Zambia, Malawi, Comoros and Botswana.
Goalkeepers
Christo Chitambala (Kabwe Warriors)
Hendrix Kanyungulu (Green Eagles)
Defenders
Andrew Mwape (Nkwazi FC)
Charles Kampamba (Kafue Celtic)
Jonathan M. Kalimina (Kafue Celtic)
Joseph Shankandi (Mufulira Wanderers)
Samson Jimmy Ngoma (Airport Warriors)
Gift Mumbi (Game On FC)
Midfielders
Wise Kambanji (Young Zanaco)
Allan Mumba (Zesco United)
Tumelo Mununga (C.D Leganes, Spain)
Duncan Musialela (Green Eagles)
Philimon Chilimina (Chirundu United)
Bunonge Bunonge (Lumwana Radiants)
Gilbert Lungu (FC Muza)
Evaristo Himanga (Chirundu United)
Felix Jere (Green Buffaloes)
Forwards
Thomas Mwanza (Lumwana Radiants)
John Foloko (Mufulira Wanderers)
Gibson Mooya (Power Dynamos)
Kayula Chinunda (Mpande Youth)
Billy Daka (Nkwazi FC)
Bridger Ng’andu (FC Muza)
Sipho Mutanga Jr (Randburg FC, South Africa)
Abel Salim Nyirongo (Atletico Lusaka)
Daniel Silubonde (Power Dynamos)
