Zambia's national team coach, Avram Grant, has unveiled a 29-member provisional squad for the upcoming TotalEnergies AFCON qualifiers against Ivory Coast. The highly anticipated match is scheduled at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on June 17th, 2023. Grant's squad includes some new additions and a surprise recall of a former AFCON-winning defender. One of the notable inclusions in the squad is Andrew Phiri, a talented Under-23 striker who currently plays for FC Muza. Phiri's impressive performances have earned him a well-deserved call-up to the senior national team. Another new face is Francisco Mwepu, who plies his trade for Cadiz in Spain. Mwepu's contributions to his club have caught the attention of the coaching staff, leading to his inclusion in the provisional squad. In a surprising move, Grant has also decided to recall Stopila Sunzu, a defender who played a crucial role in Zambia's AFCON triumph in the past. Sunzu currently competes in the Chinese Second Tier, and his experience and expertise are expected to bolster the team's defense. Additionally, Mufulira Wanderers midfielder Patson Kwataine has been handed a recall after previously featuring in the squad that faced Lesotho in the last outing. Kwataine's performances for his club have impressed the coaching staff, earning him another opportunity to represent his country on the international stage. The full squad comprises a mix of both domestic and foreign-based players. Grant has selected three goalkeepers for the squad, namely Lawrence Mulenga from Power Dynamos, Toaster Nsabata from Sekhukhune United, and Victor Chabu from Nchanga Rangers. The defensive line will be marshaled by the likes of Benedict Chepeshi from Red Arrows, Gift Mphande from Atletico Lusaka, Samson Mkandawire from Zesco United, Tandi Mwape from TP Mazembe, and Dominic Chanda from Kabwe Warriors. Joining them are Frankie Musonda from Ayr United, Aime Kabila from Toronto FC, Pride Mwansa from Nkwazi, Roderick Kabwe from Sekhukhune United, Pride Mwansa from Nkwazi, Kelvin Kapumbu from Zesco United, and Golden Mafwenta from MFK Vyskov. The midfield department will be led by Kings Kangwa from Red Star Belgrade, Emmanuel Banda from Rijeka, Larry Bwalya from Amazulu FC, Clatous Chama from Simba SC, Patson Kwataine from Mufulira Wanderers, Lubambo Musonda from AC Horsens, Kelvin Kampamba, Lameck Banda from Lecce, and Gamphani Lungu from Supersport United. The striking department comprises Fashion Sakala from Rangers, Patson Daka from Leicester City, Andrew Phiri from FC Muza, Kennedy Musonda from Yanga SC, and Francisco Mwepu from Cadiz CF.