Zambia national football team
The Zambia national football team represents Zambia in association football and is governed by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). During the 1980s, they were known as the KK 11, after founding president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda ("KK") who ruled Zambia from 1964 to 1991. After the country adopted multiparty politics, the side was nicknamed Chipolopolo which means the "Copper Bullets".[3] The team won an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012. This team has also become the only most successful team in the COSAFA Cup, surpassing Zimbabwe after winning the 2023 edition.
History
Zambian Air Force Flight 319
Tragedy struck the Zambian team when the military plane (REG: AF-319) transporting the team to Senegal for a 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier crashed late in the evening, on April 27, 1993. Three stops were planned for re-fuelling, but at the first stop, in Brazzaville, engine problems were noted on the Buffalo DHC-5D of the Zambia Air Force. Despite this, the flight continued and a few minutes after take-off from Libreville, Gabon, where the second stopover had taken place, one of the engines caught fire and stopped. The pilot, who had already made a flight from Mauritius the day before, accidentally shut down the other engine, which was still running. The loss of power, during the climb after take-off, caused the plane to fall and crash into the water 500m off the coast. All 30 passengers and crew, including 18 players, were killed in the accident.[4]
1994–2012
On June 3, 1994, in Brussels, the Zambian football team succumbed to one of its worst losses in its history against Belgium, losing 9–0. At CAN 1996, they finished first in the group with two victories (5–1 against Burkina Faso, goals from Kenneth Malitoli, double from Kalusha Bwalya, goals from Dennis Lota and Johnson Bwalya); 4–0 against Sierra Leone (a hattrick from Kalusha Bwalya and goal from Mordon Malitoli) and a draw (0–0 against Algeria), beat Egypt (3–1) in the quarterfinals and loses in semis against Tunisia (2–4) but took third place over Ghana (1–0, goal from Johnson Bwalya). Kalusha Bwalya was the best in the competition with 5 goals. From 1998 to 2006, Zambia did not pass the first round, except in 2004 when they failed to qualify. On September 3, 2006, at home, Zambia achieved the biggest victory in its history against Djibouti, winning 10–0. During the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia finished third in the group with a 3–0 victory against Sudan (goals by James Chamanga, Jacob Mulenga and Felix Katongo), a draw (1–1 against Egypt, goal from Chris Katongo) and loss (1–5 against Cameroon, goal from Chris Katongo). In 2010, Zambia finished first in her group and faced Nigeria in the quarter-finals where she lost on penalties. Jacob Mulenga and Emmanuel Mbola were included in the tournament's Best XI. In 2012, the best AFCON in Zambia history happened. During the tournament’s group stage, they defeated Senegal(2-1), drew with Libya (2-2), and defeated Equatorial Guinea (1-0), and qualified top of their group. During the knockout stage, Zambia defeated Sudan (3-0) in the Quarterfinals, beat Ghana in the semifinals (1-0) and went up against Ivory Coast in the final, where the won their first title, after defeating them in a dramatic Penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw after extra time.[5]
Kit provider
Kit provider | Period |
---|---|
Adidas | 1993–1996 |
Puma | 1997–2000 |
Diadora | 2001–2002 |
Umbro | 2003 |
Nike | 2004–2015 |
Kappa | 2016 |
Mafro | 2017 |
KoPa | 2018– |
Results and fixtures
The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.
Win Draw Loss Fixture
2022
17 November Friendly | Israel | 4–2 | Zambia | Petah Tikva, Israel |
Stadium: HaMoshava Stadium |
2023
23 March 2023 AFCON qualification | Zambia | 3–1 | Lesotho | Ndola, Zambia |
17:00 UTC+2 | Report |
|
Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Referee: Messie Nkounkou (Congo) |
26 March 2023 AFCON qualification | Lesotho | 0–2 | Zambia | Johannesburg, South Africa |
15:00 UTC+2 | Report |
|
Stadium: Dobsonville Stadium Referee: Chelanget Sabila (Uganda) |
12 June Friendly | Kuwait | 3–0 | Zambia | Cairo, Egypt |
--:-- UTC+3 | Al-Khaldi 16', 59' El Ebrahim 51' |
Report | Stadium: Cairo International Stadium |
17 June 2023 AFCON qualification | Zambia | 3–0 | Ivory Coast | Ndola, Zambia |
15:00 UTC+2 | Report | Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) |
6 July 2023 COSAFA Cup | Zambia | 0–1 | Malawi | Durban |
18:00 | Report | Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium |
9 July 2023 COSAFA Cup | Zambia | 2–1 | Comoros | Durban |
15:00 | Report |
|
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium |
11 July 2023 COSAFA Cup | Seychelles | 2–4 | Zambia | KwaMashu |
15:00 | Report | Stadium: Princess Magogo Stadium |
14 July 2023 COSAFA Cup SF | South Africa | 1–2 | Zambia | Durban |
18:00 |
|
Report | Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium |
16 July 2023 COSAFA Cup F | Lesotho | 0–1 | Zambia | Durban |
18:00 | Report |
|
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium |
9 September 2023 AFCON qualification | Comoros | 1–1 | Zambia | Moroni, Comoros |
22:00 UTC+3 |
|
Report |
|
Stadium: Stade Omnisports de Malouzini Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi) |
12 October Friendly | Egypt | 1–0 | Zambia | Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
H. Fathy 90' | Report | Stadium: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium Referee: Ahmed Eisa Darwish (United Arab Emirates) |
November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Zambia | v | Congo |
November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification | Niger | v | Zambia |
Managers
- Caretaker managers are listed in italics.
- Ted Virba (1978)
- Brian Tiler (1978–80)
- Ted Dumitru (1980–81)
- Ante Bušelić (1981–82)
- Bill McGarry (1982–83)
- Wieslaw Grabowski (1983–84)
- Jeff Butler (1984)
- Roy Mulenga (1984)
- Brightwell Banda (1984–86)
- Samuel Ndhlovu (1987–92)
- Moses Simwala (1993)
- Godfrey Chitalu (1993)
- Roald Poulsen (1993–94)
- Ian Porterfield (1994)
- Roald Poulsen (1994–96)
- Freddie Mwila (1996–97)
- George Mungwa (1997)
- Burkhard Ziese (1997–98)
- George Mungwa (1998)
- Obby Kapita (1998)
- Fighton Simukonda (1998)
- Ben Bamfuchile (1999–00)
- George Mungwa (2000)
- Jan Brouwer (2000–01)
- Roald Poulsen (2002)
- Patrick Phiri (2002–03)
- Kalusha Bwalya (2003–06)
- Patrick Phiri (2006–08)
- Hervé Renard (2008–10)
- Wedson Nyirenda & Honour Janza (2010)
- George Lwandamina (2010)
- Dario Bonetti (2010–11)
- Hervé Renard (2011–2013)
- Patrice Beaumelle (2013–2014)
- Honour Janza (2014–2015)
- George Lwandamina (2015–2016)
- Wedson Nyirenda (2016–2018)
- Beston Chambeshi (2018)
- Sven Vandenbroeck (2018–2019)
- Aggrey Chiyangi (2019–2020)
- Milutin Sredojević (2020–2021)
- Beston Chambeshi (2021–2022)
- Aljosa Asanovic (2022)
- Moses Sichone (2022)
- Avram Grant (2022–)
Players
Current squad
The following players were called up for the 2023 COSAFA Cup.[6]
Caps and goals as of 16 July 2023, after the game against Lesotho.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Lawrence Mulenga | August 21, 1998 | 9 | 0 | Power Dynamos | |
GK | Francis Mwansa | 16 January 1998 | 2 | 0 | Trident | |
GK | Victor Chabu | February 22, 1994 | 0 | 0 | Nchanga Rangers | |
DF | Benedict Chepeshi | 10 June 1996 | 40 | 0 | Red Arrows | |
DF | Dominic Chanda | 26 February 1996 | 18 | 1 | Kabwe Warriors | |
DF | Aaron Katebe | 24 January 1992 | 14 | 1 | Power Dynamos | |
DF | Mathews Chabala | 1 January 2000 | 5 | 0 | Nchanga Rangers | |
DF | John Chishimba | 19 July 2002 | 5 | 0 | ZESCO United | |
DF | Killian Kanguluma | 1 January 1999 | 5 | 1 | Kabwe Warriors | |
DF | Samson Mkandawire | 19 September 1996 | 4 | 0 | ZESCO United | |
DF | Pride Mwansa | 12 December 1996 | 1 | 0 | Nkwazi | |
DF | Gift Mphande | 29 January 2001 | 0 | 0 | Atletico Lusaka | |
MF | Kelvin Kampamba | 24 November 1996 | 43 | 6 | ZESCO United | |
MF | Jackson Chirwa | 11 June 1995 | 30 | 1 | Green Buffaloes | |
MF | Kelvin Kapumbu | 6 April 1996 | 28 | 0 | ZESCO United | |
MF | Joshua Mutale | 24 January 2002 | 10 | 0 | Power Dynamos | |
MF | Frederick Mulambia | 10 July 2002 | 6 | 2 | Power Dynamos | |
MF | Moyela Libamba | 20 June 2000 | 5 | 1 | Forest Rangers | |
MF | Abraham Siankombo | 3 March 1998 | 5 | 0 | Zanaco | |
MF | John Kosamu | 28 November 2000 | 3 | 0 | Green Buffaloes | |
MF | Oliver Lumbiya | 20 June 2000 | 2 | 0 | Nkana | |
MF | Patson Kwataine | 19 October 1999 | 1 | 0 | Mufulira Wanderers | |
MF | Chanda Mukuka | 3 March 2000 | 0 | 0 | ZESCO United | |
MF | Francis Zulu | 28 November 1998 | 0 | 0 | Prison Leopards | |
FW | Albert Kangwanda | 7 April 1999 | 12 | 5 | Kafue Celtic | |
FW | Golden Mashata | 29 January 2001 | 6 | 2 | Green Buffaloes | |
FW | Andrew Phiri | 24 March 2007 | 4 | 0 | MUZA | |
FW | Harry Milanzi Jr. | 8 May 2000 | 2 | 0 | Green Buffaloes | |
FW | Kingstone Mutandwa | 5 January 2003 | 0 | 0 | Atletico Lusaka | |
FW | Emmanuel Mwanza | 25 December 2006 | 0 | 0 | Kafue Celtic |
Recent call-ups
The following players had been called up in 12 months preceding the above draft.
Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club | Latest call-up |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GK | Toaster Nsabata | 24 November 1993 | 37 | 0 | Sekhukhune United | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
GK | Allan Chibwe | 22 March 1991 | 16 | 0 | Forest Rangers | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
GK | Jeban Tembo | January 31, 2003 | 0 | 0 | Kafue Celtic | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Stoppila Sunzu | 22 June 1989 | 80 | 5 | Jinan Xingzhou | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
DF | Rodrick Kabwe | 30 November 1992 | 40 | 0 | Sekhukhune United | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
DF | Tandi Mwape | 20 July 1996 | 25 | 1 | Mazembe | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
DF | Frankie Musonda | 12 December 1997 | 9 | 1 | Ayr United | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
DF | Aimé Mabika | 16 August 1998 | 1 | 0 | Toronto FC | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
DF | Golden Mafwenta | 15 January 2001 | 0 | 0 | MFK Vyškov | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
DF | Luka Banda | 6 April 1995 | 14 | 0 | Napsa Stars | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Kondwani Chiboni | 14 September 1996 | 6 | 0 | Nkana | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Kebson Kamanga | 16 June 1997 | 6 | 0 | Red Arrows | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Gideon Sichone | 27 February 1990 | 2 | 0 | Green Buffaloes | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Bwembya Kakunga | 28 November 1998 | 0 | 0 | Malifura Wanderers | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Owen Mwamba | 28 November 1999 | 0 | 0 | Malifura Wanderers | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Isaac Zulu | 10 September 1998 | 0 | 0 | Green Eagles | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
DF | Teddy Khumalo | 12 February 2004 | 0 | 0 | Free agent | v. Lesotho; 26 March 2023 |
MF | Lubambo Musonda (captain) | 1 March 1995 | 44 | 2 | Horsens | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
MF | Clatous Chama | 18 June 1991 | 31 | 5 | Simba | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
MF | Kings Kangwa | 6 April 1999 | 21 | 5 | Red Star Belgrade | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
MF | Emmanuel Banda | 29 September 1997 | 20 | 0 | Rijeka | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
MF | Larry Bwalya | 29 May 1995 | 13 | 1 | AmaZulu | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
MF | Prince Mumba | 24 March 2001 | 9 | 1 | Kabwe Warriors | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
MF | Linos Makwaza Jr. | 8 January 2001 | 0 | 0 | Power Dynamos | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
MF | Saddam Phiri | 9 September 1992 | 0 | 0 | Red Arrows | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
MF | Benson Sakala | 12 September 1996 | 35 | 0 | Příbram | v. Lesotho; 26 March 2023 |
FW | Patson Daka | 9 October 1998 | 35 | 12 | Leicester City | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
FW | Fashion Sakala | 14 March 1997 | 24 | 7 | Al-Fayha | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
FW | Gamphani Lungu | 19 August 1998 | 15 | 0 | SuperSport United | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
FW | Lameck Banda | 29 January 2001 | 8 | 2 | Lecce | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
FW | Kennedy Musonda | 28 December 1994 | 2 | 0 | Young Africans | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
FW | Francisco Mwepu | 29 February 2000 | 1 | 0 | Cádiz | v. Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023 |
FW | Lazarous Kambole | 20 January 1994 | 17 | 7 | ZESCO United | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
FW | Amity Shamende | 4 August 1993 | 15 | 2 | Green Eagles | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
FW | James George Ngoma | 3 September 2000 | 1 | 0 | Green Buffaloes | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
FW | Cephas Mulombwa | 28 November 2001 | 0 | 0 | Forest Rangers | v. Kuwait; 12 June 2023 |
FW | Edward Chilufya | 17 September 1999 | 8 | 0 | Midtjylland | v. Lesotho; 26 March 2023 |
FW | Joseph Phiri | 1 August 1988 | 0 | 0 | Red Arrows | v. Lesotho; 26 March 2023 |
|
Records
- As of 14 July 2021[7]
- Players in bold are still active with Zambia.
Most appearances
|
Top goalscorers
|
Competitive record
FIFA World Cup
FIFA World Cup record | Qualification record | ||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA | Pld | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
1930 to 1966 | Did not enter | Did not enter | |||||||||||||
1970 | Did not qualify | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 6 | 6 | ||||||||
1974 | 10 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 19 | 11 | |||||||||
1978 | 6 | 3 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 5 | |||||||||
1982 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 2 | |||||||||
1986 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 6 | |||||||||
1990 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 3 | 7 | 6 | |||||||||
1994 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 2 | 17 | 5 | |||||||||
1998 | 8 | 3 | 2 | 3 | 10 | 8 | |||||||||
2002 | 10 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 16 | 11 | |||||||||
2006 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 21 | 11 | |||||||||
2010 | 10 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 6 | |||||||||
2014 | 6 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 11 | 4 | |||||||||
2018 | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 11 | 7 | |||||||||
2022 | 6 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 8 | 9 | |||||||||
2026 | To be determined | To be determined | |||||||||||||
Total | 0/22 | 102 | 47 | 21 | 34 | 153 | 97 |
Africa Cup of Nations
Year | Round | Position | Pld | W | D* | L | GF | GA |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1957 to 1963 | Not affiliated to CAF | |||||||
1965 | Did not enter | |||||||
1968 | ||||||||
1970 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1972 | ||||||||
1974 | Runners-up | 2nd | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 9 | 7 |
1976 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1978 | Group stage | 5th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
1980 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1982 | Third place | 3rd | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 3 |
1984 | Did not qualify | |||||||
1986 | Group stage | 7th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 4 |
1988 | Withdrew | |||||||
1990 | Third place | 3rd | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 2 |
1992 | Quarter-finals | 7th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 |
1994 | Runners-up | 2nd | 5 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 2 |
1996 | Third place | 3rd | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 15 | 6 |
1998 | Group stage | 10th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 6 |
2000 | 13th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 5 | |
2002 | 14th | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
2004 | Did not qualify | |||||||
2006 | Group stage | 11th | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
2008 | 9th | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 6 | |
2010 | Quarter-finals | 6th | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 5 | 5 |
2012 | Champions | 1st | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 9 | 3 |
2013 | Group stage | 12th | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 |
2015 | 13th | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | |
2017 | Did not qualify | |||||||
2019 | ||||||||
2021 | ||||||||
2023 | Qualified | |||||||
2025 | To be determined | |||||||
Total | 1 title | 18/24 | 66 | 27 | 18 | 22 | 81 | 67 |
COSAFA Cup
Year | COSAFA Cup | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Result | M | W | D | L | GF | GA | |
1997 | Winners | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 11 | 4 |
1998 | Winners | 5 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 | 2 |
1999 | Semi-finals | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 |
2000 | Quarter-finals | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
2001 | Semi-finals | 3 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 3 | 2 |
2002 | Semi-finals | 2 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
2003 | Semi-finals | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 |
2004 | Runners-up | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
2005 | Runners-up | 4 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 7 | 3 |
2006 | Winners | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 |
2007 | Runners-up | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
2008 | Third place | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
2009 | Runners-up | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4 | 3 |
2013 | Winners | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 1 |
2015 | Quarter-finals | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
Total |
References
- ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's World Ranking". FIFA. 28 November 2024. Retrieved 28 November 2024.
- ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
- ^ "History of Zambian National Team". fazfootball.com. Football Association of Zambia. Archived from the original on 24 March 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
- ^ "Zambia's remarkable journey makes them winners regardless". FourFourTwo. 12 February 2012. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
- ^ "CAF releases Top XI of Orange CAN". CAF Online. Archived from the original on 4 February 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
- ^ "Provisional squad". Facebook. Football Association of Zambia.
- ^ Jerry Muchimba and Roberto Mamrud. "Zambia – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
External links
- Zambian Sports & Football Website
- Zambia National Football official
- Zambia at FIFA.com (archived 11 June 2007)
- ZambianFootball.net