Zambia are a permanent fixture at the Africa Cup of Nations, holding a unique place in the continent’s football history. The nation is renowned for its resilience and deep emotional connection with the tournament, where moments of great tragedy and ultimate triumph have defined its story. For supporters, the national team, the Chipolopolo, remains a source of pride and hope. With a mix of seasoned internationals and emerging talent, Zambia return to AFCON 2025 looking to prove they can once again compete among Africa’s elite.
- Nickname: Chipolopolo
- Head coach: Avram Grant
- Football Association: Football Association of Zambia
- AFCON appearances: 18 times
- FIFA ranking: 83
Zambia’s Match Schedule
Zambia has been drawn into Group A, alongside Morocco, Mali and Comoros. Below is their full group stage schedule, including dates, times and venues. So you know exactly when to follow Chipolopolo.
| 22 December | 15:30 uur |
 Mali Zambia | Stade Mohammed V Matchday 1 |
| 26 December | 15:30 uur |
Zambia Comoros | Stade Mohammed V Matchday 2 |
| 29 December | 18:30 uur |
Zambia Morocco | Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah Matchday 3 |
Road of 16 Scenarios
First place: If Zambia finishes first in Group A, they will face the best 3rd-placed team from Group C, D, or E (Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda / Benin, Botswana, DR Congo, Senegal / Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan) at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Second place: If they finish second, they will face the runner-up from Group C (Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda) at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.
Best third place: If Zambia qualifies as one of the best third-placed teams, there are two possible outcomes:
- If they finish ahead of the 3rd place team in Group C or D, they will meet the Group B winner (Angola, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe) at the Stade Adrar in Agadir.
- If they finish ahead of the 3rd place team in Group B or F, they will face the Group C winner (Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda) at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
Zambia Squad
The official squad list will be published here once announced.
| Keepers | |
| Defenders | |
| Midfielders | |
| Attackers | |
Head Coach Zambia
In 2022, the Football Association of Zambia appointed Avram Grant as head coach. The former Chelsea manager returned to the African stage, having previously guided Ghana to the semi-finals of AFCON 2017.
While Zambia exited at the group stage during the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire, they now benefit from one of the most experienced coaches in the modern game, a tactician with deep knowledge and invaluable international pedigree.
Star Player Zambia
Lubambo Musonda, captain and leader of the Chipolopolo, is the face of Zambia’s hopes at AFCON 2025. At club level, he joined FC Magdeburg in Germany’s 2. Bundesliga in 2024, impressing with his pace, work rate and football intelligence. His career has taken him across Europe: nearly 100 appearances and a domestic cup triumph in Armenia, followed by spells in Poland and Denmark, where he won the Danish Cup with Silkeborg in 2024. These experiences have shaped him into a versatile player, equally effective in attack and defense.
For the national team, Musonda has been central since his debut in 2014, amassing dozens of caps and establishing himself as captain. His combination of international experience, leadership and relentless mentality makes him more than just a player, he is a driving force who lifts his teammates. Heading into AFCON 2025, Musonda stands as the symbol of Zambia’s determination and fighting spirit.
Zambia AFCON History
Zambia have a rich and emotional AFCON history, marked by near misses and unforgettable triumphs. The Chipolopolo have often been in the spotlight for their resilience and never-say-die attitude, with the tournament providing some of the most defining moments in Zambian football.
Over the years, Zambia have reached the podium six times. In the 1970s and 1990s, they twice reached the final (1974 and 1994) but had to settle for silver. They also claimed three bronze medals (1982, 1990, 1996), consistently proving themselves among the continent’s strongest. Their crowning moment came in 2012, when they won the title in Libreville (Gabon), defeating Ivory Coast on penalties in an emotional final. The victory carried even deeper meaning, coming at the very site of the 1993 plane crash that tragically claimed almost the entire national team.
Since that historic triumph, Zambia have yet to return to the latter stages of AFCON. Still, they remain a respected force, known for passion, resilience and the ability to upset tournament favorites.
Road to AFCON 2025
Zambia secured their place at the Africa Cup 2025 in convincing fashion. Drawn in a group with tournament favorites Côte d’Ivoire, Sierra Leone and Chad, Chipolopolo stood out with their stability and fighting spirit. Despite a difficult start against Côte d’Ivoire, the team bounced back impressively and grew stronger as the campaign progressed. With five unbeaten matches in a row and a crucial home victory over the Ivorians, Zambia not only booked qualification but also finished as group winners.
| Friday 6 September 2024 | |
 Côte d’Ivoire Zambia | 2 0 |
| Monday 9 September 2024 | |
Zambia Sierra Leone | 3 2 |
| Friday 11 October 2024 | |
Zambia Chad | 0 0 |
| Tuesday 15 October 2024 | |
| Chad Zambia | 0 1 |
| Monday 11 November 2024 | |
| Zambia Côte d’Ivoire | 1 0 |
| Tuesday 19 November 2024 | |
| Sierra Leone Zambia | 0 2 |
| Team | PTS | G | W | D | L | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zambia | 13 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | +3 |
| Côte d’Ivoire | 12 | 6 | 4 | 0 | 2 | +9 |
| Sierra Leone | 5 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | -5 |
| Chad | 3 | 6 | 0 | 3 | 3 | -7 |
Stats
Top Scorers
| Player | Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kennedy Musonda | 4 |
| 2. | Kings Kangwa | 1 |
| 3. | Kelvin Kampamba | 1 |
| 4. | Emmanuel Banda | 1 |
Assists
| Player | Goals | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Kings Kangwa | 2 |
| 2. | Kennedy Musonda | 1 |
| 3. | Lubambo Musonda | 1 |
| 4. | Joseph Sabobo | 1 |
Players Rating
| Player | Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | Toaster Nsabata | 7,5 |
| 2. | Kings Kangwa | 7,5 |
| 3. | Kennedy Musonda | 7,4 |
| 4. | Kelvin Kampamba | 7,4 |
| 5. | Emmanuel Banda | 7,3 |
| 6. | Tandi Mwape | 7,2 |
| 7. | Obino Chisala | 7,1 |
| 8. | Benedict Chepeshi | 7,1 |
| 9. | Benson Sakala | 7.0 |
| 10. | Kabaso Chongo | 7,0 |