Zambia national football team

This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Zambia women's national football team.

Zambia

Nickname(s)	Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets)
Association	Football Association of Zambia (FAZ)
Confederation	CAF (Africa)
Sub-confederation	COSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coach	Avram Grant
Captain	Lubambo Musonda
Most caps	Kennedy Mweene (122)
Top scorer	Godfrey Chitalu (79)
Home stadium	Levy Mwanawasa Stadium National Heroes Stadium
FIFA code	ZAM
First colours Second colours Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current	87 (19 December 2024)
Highest	15 (February – May 1996, August 1996)
Lowest	102 (February 2011)
First international
Southern Rhodesia 0–4 Northern Rhodesia (Southern Rhodesia; 1946)
Biggest win
Zambia 11–2 Swaziland (Lusaka, Zambia; 5 February 1978) Zambia 9–0 Kenya (Lilongwe, Malawi; 13 November 1978) Zambia 9–0 Lesotho (Botswana; 8 August 1988)
Biggest defeat
DR Congo 10–1 Zambia (DR Congo; 22 November 1969) Belgium 9–0 Zambia (Brussels, Belgium; 3 June 1994)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances	18 (first in 1974)
Best result	Champions (2012)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances	19 (first in 1997)
Best result	Champions (1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023)
Four Nations Football Tournament
Appearances	1 (first in 2024)
Best result	Third place (2024)
Medal record CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012 Gabon and Equatorial Guinea Team 1974 Egypt Team 1994 Tunisia Team 1982 Libya Team 1990 Algeria Team 1996 South Africa Team CAF African Nations Championship 2009 Ivory Coast Team COSAFA Cup 1997 Southern Africa 1998 Southern Africa 2006 Southern Africa 2013 Zambia Team 2019 South Africa 2023 South Africa 2004 Southern Africa 2005 Southern Africa 2007 Southern Africa 2009 Zimbabwe 2017 South Africa 2018 South Africa 2008 South Africa CECAFA Cup 1984 Uganda 1991 Uganda 1976 Zanzibar 1977 Somalia 1978 Malawi 1988 Malawi 2006 Ethiopia 1981 Tanzania 1992 Tanzania 2013 Kenya

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". The team won an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012. This team has also become the most successful team in the COSAFA Cup, surpassing Zimbabwe after winning the 2023 edition.

History

Zambian Air Force Flight 319

Main article: 1993 Zambia national football team air disaster

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.

1994–2012

On June 3, 1994, in Brussels, the Zambian football team succumbed to one of the 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 they won their first title, after defeating them in a dramatic Penalty shootout after a 0–0 draw after extra time.

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

2023

Niger v Zambia

21 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Niger	2–1	Zambia	Marrakesh, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1	Moutari 6' Goumey 28'	Report	Daka 50'	Stadium: Stade de Marrakech Attendance: 200 Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya)

2024

Zambia v Cameroon

9 January Friendly	Zambia	1–1	Cameroon	Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
17:00 UTC+3	Daka 11'	Report	Yongwa 20'	Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium

DR Congo v Zambia

17 January 2023 AFCON GS	DR Congo	1–1	Zambia	San Pédro, Ivory Coast
	Wissa 27'	Report	Kangwa 23'	Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 15,478 Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)

Zambia v Tanzania

21 January 2023 AFCON GS	Zambia	1–1	Tanzania	San Pédro, Ivory Coast
	Daka 88'	Report	Msuva 11'	Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 13,342 Referee: Djindo Louis Houngnandande (Benin)

Zambia v Morocco

24 January 2023 AFCON GS	Zambia	0–1	Morocco	San Pédro, Ivory Coast
		Report	Ziyech 37'	Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 15,231 Referee: Patrice Tanguy (Gabon)

Zambia v Zimbabwe

23 March Friendly	Zambia	2–2 (5–6 p)	Zimbabwe	Lilongwe, Malawi
		Report		Stadium: Bingu National Stadium

Malawi v Zambia

26 March Friendly	Malawi	1–2	Zambia	Lilongwe, Malawi
		Report		Stadium: Bingu National Stadium

Morocco v Zambia

7 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Morocco	2–1	Zambia	Agadir, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1	Ziyech 6' (pen.) Ben Seghir 67'	Report	Chilufya 80'	Stadium: Adrar Stadium Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)

Zambia v Tanzania

11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification	Zambia	0–1	Tanzania	Ndola, Zambia
15:00 UTC+2		Report	Waziri 5'	Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Referee: Abdel Aziz Bouh (Mauritania)

Zambia v Kenya

27 June 2024 COSAFA Cup	Zambia	0–2	Kenya	Gqeberha, South Africa
18:00		Report	Odhiambo 8' (pen.) Otieno 19'	Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Zambia v Zimbabwe

30 June 2024 COSAFA Cup	Zambia	0–2	Zimbabwe	Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00		Report	Tapera 8' Benhura 43'	Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium

Comoros v Zambia

2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup	Comoros	1–0	Zambia	Gqeberha, South Africa
12:00	Ibroihim 61'	Report		Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

2025

Japan v Zambia

17 March 2025 Kirin Challenge Cup

Japan

v

Zambia

Japan

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 (1999–2000)
• 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 (2011–13)
• Patrice Beaumelle (2013–14)
• Honour Janza (2014–15)
• George Lwandamina (2015–16)
• Wedson Nyirenda (2016–18)
• Beston Chambeshi (2018)
• Sven Vandenbroeck (2018–19)
• Aggrey Chiyangi (2019–20)
• Milutin Sredojević (2020–21)
• Beston Chambeshi (2021–22)
• Aljoša Asanović (2022)
• Moses Sichone (2022)
• Avram Grant (2022–)

Players

Current squad

The following players were called up for the 2025 AFCON qualification matches against Chad on 11 and 15 October 2024.

Caps and goals as of 10 September 2024, after the game against Sierra Leone.

No.	Pos.	Player	Date of birth (age)	Caps	Goals	Club
	1GK	Toaster Nsabata	(1993-11-24) 24 November 1993	39	0	ZESCO United
	1GK	Lawrence Mulenga	(1998-08-21) 21 August 1998	20	0	Power Dynamos
	1GK	Francis Mwansa	(2002-07-14) 14 July 2002	5	0	Green Buffaloes
	1GK	Victor Chabu	(1994-02-22) 22 February 1994	1	0	Nchanga Rangers
	2DF	Benedict Chepeshi	(1996-06-10) 10 June 1996	48	0	Red Arrows
	2DF	Kabaso Chongo	(1992-02-11) 11 February 1992	45	1	Kabwe Warriors
	2DF	Tandi Mwape	(1996-07-20) 20 July 1996	29	1	Mazembe
	2DF	Frankie Musonda	(1997-12-12) 12 December 1997	16	1	Ayr United
	2DF	Gift Mphande	(2003-11-19) 19 November 2003	6	0	Hapoel Rishon LeZion
	2DF	David Bulaya	(1997-10-07) 7 October 1997	0	0	Napsa Stars
	2DF	Peter Kalota	(1999-08-23) 23 August 1999	0	0	Red Arrows
	3MF	Lubambo Musonda (captain)	(1995-03-01) 1 March 1995	55	2	Silkeborg
	3MF	Kelvin Kampamba	(1996-11-24) 24 November 1996	49	7	ZESCO United
	3MF	Clatous Chama	(1991-06-18) 18 June 1991	40	7	Simba
	3MF	Benson Sakala	(1996-09-12) 12 September 1996	40	0	Mladá Boleslav
	3MF	Kings Kangwa	(1999-04-06) 6 April 1999	34	7	Hapoel Be'er Sheva
	3MF	Lameck Banda	(2001-01-29) 29 January 2001	17	3	Lecce
	3MF	Miguel Chaiwa	(2004-06-07) 7 June 2004	12	0	Young Boys
	3MF	Obino Chisala	(1999-09-14) 14 September 1999	3	0	CD Costa do Sol
	3MF	Joseph Banda	(2005-12-17) 17 December 2005	2	0	Zürich
	4FW	Edward Chilufya	(1999-09-17) 17 September 1999	18	1	Häcken
	4FW	Kennedy Musonda	(1994-12-28) 28 December 1994	11	1	Young Africans
	4FW	Jimmy Mukeya	(2002-02-23) 23 February 2002	5	0	Kansanshi Dynamos
	4FW	Francisco Mwepu	(2000-02-29) 29 February 2000	3	0	Cádiz
	4FW	Chipyoka Songa	(2004-09-24) 24 September 2004	0	0	Hapoel Petah Tikva

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	Charles Kalumba	(1996-01-21) 21 January 1996	6	0	Red Arrows	2024 COSAFA Cup
GK	Willard Mwanza	(1997-06-03) 3 June 1997	0	0	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Stoppila Sunzu	(1989-06-22) 22 June 1989	94	6	Changchun Yatai	v. Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	Dominic Chanda	(1996-02-26) 26 February 1996	30	1	Kabwe Warriors	v. Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	Zakaria Chilongoshi	(1999-10-27) 27 October 1999	18	0	Prison Leopards	v. Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	Killian Kanguluma	(1999-12-16) 16 December 1999	7	1	Kabwe Warriors	v. Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	John Chishimba	(2002-07-19) 19 July 2002	6	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Mathews Chabala	(2002-07-19) 19 July 2002	7	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Brian Chilimina	(1997-06-27) 27 June 1997	1	0	Red Arrows	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Chitoshi Chinga	(1998-12-24) 24 December 1998	2	0	Nkana	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Owen Mwamba	(1998-07-24) 24 July 1998	2	0	Mufulira Wanderers	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Mathews Banda	(2005-08-06) 6 August 2005	2	0	Nkana	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Luka Banda	(1995-04-06) 6 April 1995	14	0	Napsa Stars	v. Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF	Zephaniah Phiri	(1996-11-19) 19 November 1996	4	0	Prison Leopards	v. Malawi; 26 March 2024
DF	Rodrick Kabwe	(1992-11-30) 30 November 1992	48	0	Sekhukhune United	2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF	Teddy Khumalo	(2004-02-12) 12 February 2004	0	0	Free agent	2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF	Kelvin Kapumbu	(1996-04-06) 6 April 1996	34	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Fredrick Mulambia	(2002-07-10) 10 July 2002	10	2	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Abraham Siankombo	(1998-03-03) 3 March 1998	9	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Dickson Chapa	(1991-10-24) 24 October 1991	8	0	Napsa Stars	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Saddam Phiri	(1992-09-09) 9 September 1992	6	0	Red Arrows	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Austin Muwowo	(1996-09-26) 26 September 1996	6	1	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	David Simukonda	(2005-08-10) 10 August 2005	3	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Owen Tembo	(1995-05-16) 16 May 1995	3	0	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Emmanuel Banda	(1997-09-29) 29 September 1997	32	0	Rijeka	v. Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF	Joshua Mutale	(2002-01-24) 24 January 2002	11	0	Power Dynamos	v. Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF	Golden Mafwenta	(2001-01-15) 15 January 2001	8	0	MFK Vyškov	v. Malawi; 26 March 2024
MF	Larry Bwalya	(1995-05-29) 29 May 1995	18	1	AmaZulu	2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF	Jackson Chirwa	(1995-06-11) 11 June 1995	30	1	Green Buffaloes	2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW	Ricky Banda	(2001-05-03) 3 May 2001	8	1	Red Arrows	v. Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
FW	Albert Kangwanda	(1999-04-07) 7 April 1999	15	5	Kafue Celtic	2024 COSAFA Cup
FW	Andrew Phiri	(2001-05-21) 21 May 2001	8	0	MUZA	2024 COSAFA Cup
FW	Patson Daka	(1998-10-09) 9 October 1998	48	21	Leicester City	v. Tanzania; 11 June 2024
FW	Gamphani Lungu	(1998-08-19) 19 August 1998	17	0	SuperSport United	v. Tanzania; 11 June 2024
FW	Fashion Sakala	(1997-03-14) 14 March 1997	32	9	Al-Fayha	2023 Africa Cup of Nations
FW	Lazarous Kambole	(1994-01-20) 20 January 1994	17	7	ZESCO United	2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
Notes DEC Refused to join the team after the call-up. INJ Withdrew due to an injury. PRE Preliminary Squad. RET Retired from international association football. SUS Suspended from the team.

Player records

As of 19 November 2024

Players in bold are still active with Zambia.

Most appearances

Rank	Player	Apps	Goals	Career
1	Kennedy Mweene	122	2	2004–2021
2	David Chabala	115	0	1983–1993
3	Godfrey Chitalu	111	79	1968–1980
4	Joseph Musonda	108	0	2002–2014
5	Rainford Kalaba	103	15	2005–2018
	Christopher Katongo	103	23	2003–2016
7	Alex Chola	102	43	1975–1985
8	Elijah Tana	101	4	1995–2009
9	Derby Makinka	98	10	1985–1993
10	Stoppila Sunzu	96	6	2008–present

Top goalscorers

Rank	Player	Goals	Apps	Ratio	Career
1	Godfrey Chitalu	79	111	0.71	1968–1980
2	Alex Chola	43	102	0.42	1975–1985
3	Kalusha Bwalya	39	87	0.45	1983–2004
4	Bernard Chanda	29	68	0.43	1971–1980
5	Christopher Katongo	23	103	0.22	2003–2016
6	Collins Mbesuma	22	65	0.34	2003–2017
7	Patson Daka	21	48	0.44	2015–present
	Dennis Lota	21	78	0.27	1994–2002
9	Kenneth Malitoli	19	80	0.24	1988–1999
10	James Chamanga	17	63	0.27	2005–2015

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 1962	Not a FIFA member									Not a FIFA member
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									4	1	0	3	6	7
2030										To be determined
2034
Total		0/15								106	48	21	37	159	103

Africa Cup of Nations

Main article: Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations

Africa Cup of Nations record									Qualification
Year	Round	Position	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA	Pld	W	D*	L	GF	GA
1957 to 1963	Not affiliated to CAF								Not affiliated to CAF
1965	Did not enter								Did not enter
1968
1970	Did not qualify								4	1	1	2	9	8
1972									4	2	0	2	8	6
1974	Runners-up	2nd	5	3	0	2	9	7	4	2	0	2	11	7
1976	Did not qualify								4	2	0	2	13	6
1978	Group stage	5th	3	1	1	1	3	2	2	1	0	1	2*	2
1980	Did not qualify								4	1	1	2	5	2
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	Group stage	20th	3	0	2	1	2	3
2025	Qualified
2027	To be determined
2029
Total	1 title	18/25	69	27	19	23	83	70

COSAFA Cup

Main article: COSAFA Cup

Year	COSAFA Cup record
	Result	Pld	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
2016	Quarter-finals	1	0	1	0	0	0
2017	Runners-up	3	2	0	1	7	6
2018	Runners-up	3	1	1	1	3	4
2019	Winners	3	2	1	0	3	2
2021	Group stage	4	1	1	2	3	4
2022	Winners	3	2	1	0	6	4
2023	Winners	5	4	0	1	9	5
2024	Group stage	3	0	0	3	0	5
Total	7 titles

Honours

Continental

• Africa Cup of Nations
  • Champion (1): 2012
  • Runner-up (2): 1974, 1994
  • Third place (3): 1982, 1990, 1996
• African Nations Championship
  • Third place (1): 2009

Regional

• COSAFA Cup
  • Champion (7): 1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023
  • Runner-up (6): 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2017, 2018
  • Third place (1): 2008
• CECAFA Cup
  • Champion (2): 1984, 1991
  • Runner-up (5): 1976, 1977, 1978, 1988, 2006
  • Third place (5): 1973, 1974, 1981, 1992, 2013

External links

• Zambian Sports & Football Website
• Zambia National Football official
• Zambia at FIFA.com (archived 11 June 2007)
• ZambianFootball.net