Zambia have named their squad for the 2016 COSAFA Under-17 Championships to be staged in Mauritius from July 22-31.

The Zambians will be among the pre-tournament favourites given their long history of success in age-group football in the region, as well as the strength of the senior national side.

All but two of the Zambia players were born in 2000, with the exception being 15-year-old defender Dan Kunda and 14-year-old midfielder Sam Mbewe.

Head coach Osward Mutapa will be eying silverware, but will also be keen to use the tournament as preparation for the African Under-17 Championship qualifiers that start a week after the final.

Zambia meet Sudan over two legs in their next qualifier in August.

The future stars of Chipolopolo take on East African guest nation Kenya in their opening Group B game on Friday. This is followed by a clash against Malawi on Sunday, with their final pool encounter versus Madagascar on July 26.

The top two teams in each pool advance to the semifinals. Group A contains hosts Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia and Seychelles.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Benson Mwale, Edward Mwanza.

Defenders: Justin Mwanza, Benjamin Phiri, Kasonde Mulenga, Hillary Mwiinga, Dan Kunda, Ponsirio Kapamba.

Midfielders: Musonda Kalale, Nkandu Kunda, Charles Bwalya, Jonathan Tembo, Chanda Mukuku, Sam Mbewe.

Strikers: Damiano Kola-Sam, Castro Siakotela, Mwiza Siwale, George Nyimbili, Nicholas Mulilo, Samuel Kabwe.