He was the main goalkeeper in the squad for the 1994 and 1996 African Nations Cup tournaments[2] and was voted Zambian Footballer of the Year for two consecutive seasons in 1993 and 1994.
Phiri first played for Chawama Youth Club before joining Zambian Second Division side Barclays Bank F.C.
Phiri minded the Zambian goal again at CAN 1996 in South Africa where Zambia recorded victories over Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone and most impressively, a 3–1 triumph over Egypt in the quarter-finals.
He was the third choice goalkeeper for Zambia at CAN 1998 and later that year, he moved to Chinese club Qingdao Hainiu on a two-year deal.
When his contract expired, he returned to Zambia and retired to join the Zanaco coaching bench.