Zambians flying under the radar in Europe - Are you watching Avram Grant?

Avram Grant, head coach of Zambia during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations press conference for at Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro, Cote dIvoire on 23 January 2024 ©Helge Schutz/BackpagePix

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Sunday May 12, 2024. 21:00

Zambia head coach Avram Grant is set to announce the squad that will face Morocco and Tanzania soon.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers will take place in June and accomplished Israeli tactician Grant is expected to select a squad for the two crucial matches.

African Football takes a look at excelling European-based players who are either uncapped or haven’t played for Chipolopolo in a long time.

Ingoma Mwanza – CD Arnedo

The midfielder-come-attacker has had a decent season in Spain – scoring six goals from 24 starts for Arnedo in the Tercera Federación (fifth tier) thus far.

Mwanza, 23, has never represented Zambia at any level and he is also eligible to represent his country of birth, South Africa and Spain.

The 1,90 tall player has also turned out for CF La Solana, CD Varea, CD Agoncillo, Atlético Astorga FC, and CD Madridejos in the European country.

Songa Chipyoka – Sekzia Ness Ziona

The teenager has caught the eye with his ability to score goals from midfield in the Liga Leumit (Israeli second tier) for Ziona this term

Chipyoka has found the back of the net eight times from 27 league matches and has also scored in each of his last two matches.

The 19-year-old is a former Zambia under-20 international having represented his country at the 2023 Under-20 AFCON finals in Egypt.

Francisco Mwepu – Atletico Sanluqueño

The Cadiz CF attacker has had a successful loan stint at Sanluqueño in the third tier of Spanish football, Primera Federación.

Mwepu has more goals (eight) than any other Sanluqueño player in the league this season having played 30 matches including 21 starts.

The 24-year-old has two caps for Zambia and the last time he played for Chipolopolo was in October 2023 as he featured in matches against Uganda and Egypt.

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