When the qualifying groups were drawn for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, most would have expected Zambia to qualify, but not many would have expected them to top a group which included current AFCON holders Ivory Coast. But Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets), did just that. The highlight of their qualifying campaign was defeating Ivory Coast 1-0 at home in front a sold out crowd at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. Though it was a very successful campaign, the coach that led them their, Avram Grant, won’t be leading Zambia out in Morocco. Grant was sacked this October following a disappointing World Cup Qualifying campaign which saw Chipolopolo finish 4th in their group behind the likes of Tanzania and Niger.
In Grant’s place steps his former assistant coach Moses Sichone, a former national team centre-back in the early 2000’s. Sichone will have a very short time to prepare for the Africa Cup of Nations, but will at least be familiar with the players at his disposal. The start of preparation hasn’t gone great, as Sichone’s first two matches in charge in November were two friendly losses to South Africa and Angola. But there is plenty of talent in this Zambian side, particularly in attack with the likes of Patson Daka, Fashion Sakala, and Lameck Banda.
Zambia will be up against it to qualify out of a tough group. Chipolopolo will meet hosts Morocco in their final group stage match, a team they just recently met in World Cup Qualifying were they lost both home and away. Zambia will hope for a better result this time out, and will look to channel the magic of the 2012 squad who brought Zambia it’s first Africa Cup of Nations title.
Potential Starting XI
Coach
Moses Sichone
Sichone took charge of Zambia just weeks before the Africa Cup of Nations. A former assistant under Avraam Grant, Sichone also held the role of caretaker manager for Zambia back in 2022.
Players to Watch
Patson Daka
Age: 27
Position: ST
Caps/Goals: 52/21
Club: Leicester City FC (England)
Daka is Zambia’s star man and one of the most recognizable figures in the Zambia squad, having played in the English Premier League. Daka will need to find form if Zambia are to make a run, as he hasn’t scored for his country since March 2024.
Lameck Banda
Age: 24
Position: LW
Caps/Goals: 20/3
Club: US Lecce (Italy)
Banda is a regular for Serie A side Lecce. The exciting winger will be relied on for creativity in the Zambia side.
Zambia Schedule
December 22, 2025 vs. Mali – Casablanca
December 26, 2025 vs. Comoros – Casablanca
December 29, 2025 vs. Morocco – Rabat
Country Information
Did you know…
Zambia’s biggest export is copper, leading to the national team being nicknamed ‘Chipolopolo’, which in Bemba means The Copper Bullets. Bemba is the most spoken language in Zambia.
