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.

Zambia
Shirt badge/Association crest
Nickname(s)Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets)
AssociationFootball Association of Zambia (FAZ)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coachAvram Grant
CaptainLubambo Musonda
Most capsKennedy Mweene (122)
Top scorerGodfrey Chitalu (79)
Home stadiumLevy Mwanawasa Stadium
National Heroes Stadium
FIFA codeZAM
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 87 Decrease 3 (15 February 2024)[1]
Highest15 (February – May 1996, August 1996)
Lowest102 (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
Appearances18 (first in 1974)
Best resultChampions (2012)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances19 (first in 1997)
Best resultChampions (1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023)

History edit

Zambian Air Force Flight 319 edit

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 edit

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 edit

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 edit

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 edit

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)
17 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Zambia   4–2   Congo Ndola, Zambia
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Referee: Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt)
21 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Niger   2–1   Zambia Marrakesh, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Stade de Marrakech
Attendance: 200
Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya)

2024 edit

9 January Friendly Zambia   1–1   Cameroon Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
17:00 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
17 January 2023 AFCON GS DR Congo   1–1   Zambia San Pédro, Ivory Coast
Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium
21 January 2023 AFCON GS Zambia   1–1   Tanzania San Pédro, Ivory Coast
Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium
24 January 2023 AFCON GS Zambia   0–1   Morocco San Pédro, Ivory Coast
Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium

Managers edit

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players edit

Current squad edit

The following players were called up for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.[6]

Caps and goals as of 21 November 2023, after the game against Niger.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Toaster Nsabata (1993-11-24) 24 November 1993 (age 30) 37 0   Sekhukhune United
1GK Lawrence Mulenga (1998-08-21) August 21, 1998 (age 25) 11 0   Power Dynamos
1GK Francis Mwansa (2002-07-14) July 14, 2002 (age 21) 5 0   Green Buffaloes

2DF Stoppila Sunzu (1989-06-22) 22 June 1989 (age 34) 85 5   Jinan Xingzhou
2DF Benedict Chepeshi (1996-06-10) 10 June 1996 (age 27) 45 0   Red Arrows
2DF Rodrick Kabwe (1992-11-30) 30 November 1992 (age 31) 45 0   Sekhukhune United
2DF Dominic Chanda (1996-02-26) 26 February 1996 (age 28) 29 1   Kabwe Warriors
2DF Tandi Mwape (1996-07-20) 20 July 1996 (age 27) 25 1   Mazembe
2DF Frankie Musonda (1997-12-12) 12 December 1997 (age 26) 10 1   Ayr United
2DF Miguel Chaiwa (2004-06-07) 7 June 2004 (age 19) 3 0   Young Boys
2DF Zephaniah Phiri (1996-11-19) 19 November 1996 (age 27) 2 0   Prison Leopards
2DF Gift Mphande (2003-11-19) 19 November 2003 (age 20) 1 0   Hapoel Rishon LeZion

3MF Lubambo Musonda (captain) (1995-03-01) 1 March 1995 (age 29) 47 2   Silkeborg
3MF Kelvin Kampamba (1996-11-24) 24 November 1996 (age 27) 45 6   ZESCO United
3MF Benson Sakala (1996-09-12) 12 September 1996 (age 27) 37 0   Mladá Boleslav
3MF Clatous Chama (1991-06-18) 18 June 1991 (age 32) 34 5   Simba
3MF Kelvin Kapumbu (1996-04-06) 6 April 1996 (age 27) 30 0   ZESCO United
3MF Kings Kangwa (1999-04-06) 6 April 1999 (age 24) 26 5   Red Star Belgrade
3MF Emmanuel Banda (1997-09-29) 29 September 1997 (age 26) 25 0   Rijeka
3MF Larry Bwalya (1995-05-29) 29 May 1995 (age 28) 16 1   AmaZulu
3MF Edward Chilufya (1999-09-17) 17 September 1999 (age 24) 12 0   Häcken
3MF Golden Mafwenta (2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 23) 7 0   MFK Vyškov
3MF Frederick Mulambia (2002-07-10) 10 July 2002 (age 21) 6 2   Power Dynamos

4FW Patson Daka (1998-10-09) 9 October 1998 (age 25) 40 18   Leicester City
4FW Fashion Sakala (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 27) 28 9   Al-Fayha
4FW Lameck Banda (2001-01-29) 29 January 2001 (age 23) 11 3   Lecce
4FW Kennedy Musonda (1994-12-28) 28 December 1994 (age 29) 2 0   Young Africans

Recent call-ups edit

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 Harold Bwalya (1998-01-16) 16 January 1998 (age 26) 2 0   Trident 2023 COSAFA Cup
GK Stephen Ngulube (1994-02-22) February 22, 1994 (age 30) 0 0   Nchanga Rangers 2023 COSAFA Cup
GK Allan Chibwe (1991-03-22) 22 March 1991 (age 32) 16 0   Forest Rangers v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
GK Jeban Tembo (2003-01-31) January 31, 2003 (age 21) 0 0   Kafue Celtic v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023

DF Luka Banda (1995-04-06) 6 April 1995 (age 28) 14 0   Napsa Stars 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Teddy Khumalo (2004-02-12) 12 February 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Free agent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
DF Aaron Katebe (1992-01-24) 24 January 1992 (age 32) 14 1   Power Dynamos 2023 COSAFA Cup
DF Evan Chibuye (2002-07-19) 19 July 2002 (age 21) 5 0   ZESCO United 2023 COSAFA Cup
DF Irving Chisenga (2000-01-01) 1 January 2000 (age 24) 5 0   Nchanga Rangers 2023 COSAFA Cup
DF Rodolph Mwanza (1999-01-01) 1 January 1999 (age 25) 5 1   Kabwe Warriors 2023 COSAFA Cup
DF Brian Mulwanda (1996-09-19) 19 September 1996 (age 27) 4 0   ZESCO United 2023 COSAFA Cup
DF Daniel Hachipola (1996-12-12) 12 December 1996 (age 27) 1 0   Nkwazi 2023 COSAFA Cup
DF Emmanuel Mukuni (2001-01-29) 29 January 2001 (age 23) 0 0   Atletico Lusaka 2023 COSAFA Cup
DF Aimé Mabika (1998-08-16) 16 August 1998 (age 25) 1 0   Toronto FC v.   Ivory Coast; 17 June 2023
DF Kondwani Chiboni (1996-09-14) 14 September 1996 (age 27) 6 0   Nkana v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
DF Kebson Kamanga (1997-06-16) 16 June 1997 (age 26) 6 0   Red Arrows v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
DF Gideon Sichone (1990-02-27) 27 February 1990 (age 34) 2 0   Green Buffaloes v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
DF Bwembya Kakunga (1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 25) 0 0   Malifura Wanderers v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
DF Owen Mwamba (1999-11-28) 28 November 1999 (age 24) 0 0   Malifura Wanderers v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
DF Isaac Zulu (1998-09-10) 10 September 1998 (age 25) 0 0   Green Eagles v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023

MF Jackson Chirwa (1995-06-11) 11 June 1995 (age 28) 30 1   Green Buffaloes 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Joshua Mutale (2002-01-24) 24 January 2002 (age 22) 10 0   Power Dynamos 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Foster Musonda (2002-07-10) 10 July 2002 (age 21) 6 2   Power Dynamos 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Moses Liswaniso (1998-03-03) 3 March 1998 (age 26) 5 0   Zanaco 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Gerald Muyunda (2000-06-20) 20 June 2000 (age 23) 5 1   Forest Rangers 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Christopher Mubita (2000-11-28) 28 November 2000 (age 23) 3 0   Green Buffaloes 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Theophilus Mukwita (2000-06-20) 20 June 2000 (age 23) 2 0   Nkana 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Lameck Chileshe (1999-10-19) 19 October 1999 (age 24) 1 0   Mufulira Wanderers 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Godfrey Ngosa (2000-03-03) 3 March 2000 (age 24) 0 0   ZESCO United 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Stuart Siamwiza (1998-11-28) 28 November 1998 (age 25) 0 0   Prison Leopards 2023 COSAFA Cup
MF Prince Mumba (2001-03-24) 24 March 2001 (age 22) 9 1   Kabwe Warriors v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
MF Linos Makwaza Jr. (2001-01-08) 8 January 2001 (age 23) 0 0   Power Dynamos v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
MF Saddam Phiri (1992-09-09) 9 September 1992 (age 31) 0 0   Red Arrows v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023

FW Lazarous Kambole (1994-01-20) 20 January 1994 (age 30) 17 7   ZESCO United 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Gamphani Lungu (1998-08-19) 19 August 1998 (age 25) 15 0   SuperSport United 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Albert Kangwanda (1999-04-07) 7 April 1999 (age 24) 12 5   Kafue Celtic 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Francisco Mwepu (2000-02-29) 29 February 2000 (age 24) 3 0   Cádiz 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Roderick Munalula (2001-01-29) 29 January 2001 (age 23) 6 2   Green Buffaloes 2023 COSAFA Cup
FW Ronald Mizinga (2007-03-24) 24 March 2007 (age 16) 4 0   MUZA 2023 COSAFA Cup
FW Kingsley Chibwe (2000-05-08) 8 May 2000 (age 23) 2 0   Green Buffaloes 2023 COSAFA Cup
FW Henry Mwewa (2003-01-05) 5 January 2003 (age 21) 0 0   Atletico Lusaka 2023 COSAFA Cup
FW Matthew Kamwi (2006-12-25) 25 December 2006 (age 17) 0 0   Kafue Celtic 2023 COSAFA Cup
FW Amity Shamende (1993-08-04) 4 August 1993 (age 30) 15 2   Green Eagles v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
FW James George Ngoma (2000-09-03) 3 September 2000 (age 23) 1 0   Green Buffaloes v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
FW Cephas Mulombwa (2001-11-28) 28 November 2001 (age 22) 0 0   Forest Rangers v.   Kuwait; 12 June 2023
FW Joseph Phiri (1988-08-01) 1 August 1988 (age 35) 0 0   Red Arrows v.   Lesotho; 26 March 2023

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.

Records edit

As of 24 January 2024[7]
Players in bold are still active with Zambia.

Most appearances edit

Rank Name Caps 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 89 5 2008–present

Top goalscorers edit

Rank Name Goals Caps 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. Dennis Lota 21 78 0.27 1994–2002
8. Patson Daka 20 44 0.45 2015–present
9. Kenneth Malitoli 19 80 0.24 1988–1999
10. James Chamanga 17 63 0.27 2005–2015

Competitive record edit

FIFA World Cup edit

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 2 1 0 1 5 4
      2030 To be determined
  2034
Total 0/15 104 48 21 35 158 100

Africa Cup of Nations edit

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 Group stage 20th 3 0 2 1 2 3
  2025 To be determined
      2027
Total 1 title 18/25 69 27 20 23 83 70

COSAFA Cup edit

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 edit

  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 15 February 2024. Retrieved 15 February 2024.
  3. ^ "History of Zambian National Team". fazfootball.com. Football Association of Zambia. Archived from the original on 24 March 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  4. ^ "Zambia's remarkable journey makes them winners regardless". FourFourTwo. 12 February 2012. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  5. ^ "CAF releases Top XI of Orange CAN". CAF Online. Archived from the original on 4 February 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Final Squad". Facebook. Football Association of Zambia.
  7. ^ 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 edit