Zambia national football team facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
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	82 1 (7 February 2019)
Highest	15 (February – May 1996, August 1996)
Lowest	102 (February 2011)
Elo ranking
Current	101 19 (3 March 2019)
Highest	27 (6 April 1994)
Lowest	106 (October 2009)
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 Gold 2012 Gabon and Equatorial Guinea Team Silver 1974 Egypt Team Silver 1994 Tunisia Team Bronze 1982 Libya Team Bronze 1990 Algeria Team Bronze 1996 South Africa Team CAF African Nations Championship Bronze 2009 Ivory Coast Team COSAFA Cup Gold 1997 Southern Africa Gold 1998 Southern Africa Gold 2006 Southern Africa Gold 2013 Zambia Team Gold 2019 South Africa Gold 2023 South Africa Silver 2004 Southern Africa Silver 2005 Southern Africa Silver 2007 Southern Africa Silver 2009 Zimbabwe Silver 2017 South Africa Silver 2018 South Africa Bronze 2008 South Africa CECAFA Cup Gold 1984 Uganda Gold 1991 Uganda Silver 1976 Zanzibar Silver 1977 Somalia Silver 1978 Malawi Silver 1988 Malawi Silver 2006 Ethiopia Bronze 1981 Tanzania Bronze 1992 Tanzania Bronze 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

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

2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 21 November	Niger	2–1	Zambia	Marrakesh, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1	Moutari  6' Goumey  28'	https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288282/288289/400017601	Daka  50'	Stadium: Stade de Marrakech Attendance: 200 Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya)

2024

Friendly 9 January	Zambia	1–1	Cameroon	Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
17:00 UTC+3	Daka  11'	https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/01/09/world/friendlies/zambia/cameroon/4294214/	Yongwa  20'	Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium

2023 AFCON GS 17 January	DR Congo	1–1	Zambia	San Pédro, Ivory Coast
	Wissa  27'	https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/match-centre?competition=190&season=2023&match=2411936	Kangwa  23'	Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 15,478 Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)

2023 AFCON GS 21 January	Zambia	1–1	Tanzania	San Pédro, Ivory Coast
	Daka  88'	https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/match-centre?competition=190&season=2023&match=2411938	Msuva  11'	Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 13,342 Referee: Djindo Louis Houngnandande (Benin)

2023 AFCON GS 24 January	Zambia	0–1	Morocco	San Pédro, Ivory Coast
		https://www.cafonline.com/caf-africa-cup-of-nations/match-centre?competition=190&season=2023&match=2411940	Ziyech  37'	Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium Attendance: 15,231 Referee: Patrice Tanguy (Gabon)

Friendly 23 March	Zambia	2–2 (5–6 pen)	Zimbabwe	Lilongwe, Malawi
		https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/03/23/world/friendlies/zambia/zimbabwe/4336613/		Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
		Penalties
	{{{penalties1}}}		{{{penalties2}}}

Friendly 26 March	Malawi	1–2	Zambia	Lilongwe, Malawi
		https://int.soccerway.com/matches/2024/03/26/world/friendlies/zambia/malawi/4343906/		Stadium: Bingu National Stadium

2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 7 June	Morocco	2–1	Zambia	Agadir, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1	Ziyech  6' (pen.) Ben Seghir  67'	https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288282/288289/400018189	Chilufya  80'	Stadium: Adrar Stadium Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)

2026 FIFA World Cup qualification 11 June	Zambia	0–1	Tanzania	Ndola, Zambia
15:00 UTC+2		https://www.fifa.com/fifaplus/en/match-centre/match/520/288282/288289/400018188	Waziri  5'	Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium Referee: Abdel Aziz Bouh (Mauritania)

2024 COSAFA Cup 27 June	Zambia	0–2	Kenya	Gqeberha, South Africa
18:00		https://cosafa.com/em-fr-pr-kenya-beat-zambia-zimbabwe-pick-up-win-against-comoros/	Odhiambo  8' (pen.) Otieno  19'	Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

2024 COSAFA Cup 30 June	Zambia	0–2	Zimbabwe	Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00		https://cosafa.com/en-fr-pr-zimbabwe-get-bragging-rights-over-old-foes-zambia/	Tapera  8' Benhura  43'	Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium

2024 COSAFA Cup 2 July	Comoros	1–0	Zambia	Gqeberha, South Africa
12:00	Ibroihim  61'	https://cosafa.com/mozambique-comoros-into-hollywoodbets-cosafa-cup-2024-semis/		Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

2025

2025 Kirin Challenge Cup 17 March	Japan	v	Zambia	Japan

Managers

Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

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 (age 31)	39	0	ZESCO United
	1GK	Lawrence Mulenga	(1998-08-21) 21 August 1998 (age 26)	20	0	Power Dynamos
	1GK	Francis Mwansa	(2002-07-14) 14 July 2002 (age 22)	5	0	Green Buffaloes
	1GK	Victor Chabu	(1994-02-22) 22 February 1994 (age 30)	1	0	Nchanga Rangers
	2DF	Benedict Chepeshi	(1996-06-10) 10 June 1996 (age 28)	48	0	Red Arrows
	2DF	Kabaso Chongo	(1992-02-11) 11 February 1992 (age 32)	45	1	Kabwe Warriors
	2DF	Tandi Mwape	(1996-07-20) 20 July 1996 (age 28)	29	1	Mazembe
	2DF	Frankie Musonda	(1997-12-12) 12 December 1997 (age 27)	16	1	Ayr United
	2DF	Gift Mphande	(2003-11-19) 19 November 2003 (age 21)	6	0	Hapoel Rishon LeZion
	2DF	David Bulaya	(1997-10-07) 7 October 1997 (age 27)	0	0	Napsa Stars
	2DF	Peter Kalota	(1999-08-23) 23 August 1999 (age 25)	0	0	Red Arrows
	3MF	Lubambo Musonda (captain)	(1995-03-01) 1 March 1995 (age 29)	55	2	Silkeborg
	3MF	Kelvin Kampamba	(1996-11-24) 24 November 1996 (age 28)	49	7	ZESCO United
	3MF	Clatous Chama	(1991-06-18) 18 June 1991 (age 33)	40	7	Simba
	3MF	Benson Sakala	(1996-09-12) 12 September 1996 (age 28)	40	0	Mladá Boleslav
	3MF	Kings Kangwa	(1999-04-06) 6 April 1999 (age 25)	34	7	Hapoel Be'er Sheva
	3MF	Lameck Banda	(2001-01-29) 29 January 2001 (age 23)	17	3	Lecce
	3MF	Miguel Chaiwa	(2004-06-07) 7 June 2004 (age 20)	12	0	Young Boys
	3MF	Obino Chisala	(1999-09-14) 14 September 1999 (age 25)	3	0	CD Costa do Sol
	3MF	Joseph Banda	(2005-12-17) 17 December 2005 (age 19)	2	0	Zürich
	4FW	Edward Chilufya	(1999-09-17) 17 September 1999 (age 25)	18	1	Häcken
	4FW	Kennedy Musonda	(1994-12-28) 28 December 1994 (age 30)	11	1	Young Africans
	4FW	Jimmy Mukeya	(2002-02-23) 23 February 2002 (age 22)	5	0	Kansanshi Dynamos
	4FW	Francisco Mwepu	(2000-02-29) 29 February 2000 (age 24)	3	0	Cádiz
	4FW	Chipyoka Songa	(2004-09-24) 24 September 2004 (age 20)	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 (age 28)	6	0	Red Arrows	2024 COSAFA Cup
GK	Willard Mwanza	(1997-06-03) 3 June 1997 (age 27)	0	0	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Stoppila Sunzu	(1989-06-22) 22 June 1989 (age 35)	94	6	Changchun Yatai	v.  Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	Dominic Chanda	(1996-02-26) 26 February 1996 (age 28)	30	1	Kabwe Warriors	v.  Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	Zakaria Chilongoshi	(1999-10-27) 27 October 1999 (age 25)	18	0	Prison Leopards	v.  Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	Killian Kanguluma	(1999-12-16) 16 December 1999 (age 25)	7	1	Kabwe Warriors	v.  Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
DF	John Chishimba	(2002-07-19) 19 July 2002 (age 22)	6	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Mathews Chabala	(2002-07-19) 19 July 2002 (age 22)	7	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Brian Chilimina	(1997-06-27) 27 June 1997 (age 27)	1	0	Red Arrows	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Chitoshi Chinga	(1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 26)	2	0	Nkana	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Owen Mwamba	(1998-07-24) 24 July 1998 (age 26)	2	0	Mufulira Wanderers	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Mathews Banda	(2005-08-06) 6 August 2005 (age 19)	2	0	Nkana	2024 COSAFA Cup
DF	Luka Banda	(1995-04-06) 6 April 1995 (age 29)	14	0	Napsa Stars	v.  Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF	Zephaniah Phiri	(1996-11-19) 19 November 1996 (age 28)	4	0	Prison Leopards	v.  Malawi; 26 March 2024
DF	Rodrick Kabwe	(1992-11-30) 30 November 1992 (age 32)	48	0	Sekhukhune United	2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF	Teddy Khumalo	(2004-02-12) 12 February 2004 (age 20)	0	0	Free agent	2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF	Kelvin Kapumbu	(1996-04-06) 6 April 1996 (age 28)	34	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Fredrick Mulambia	(2002-07-10) 10 July 2002 (age 22)	10	2	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Abraham Siankombo	(1998-03-03) 3 March 1998 (age 26)	9	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Dickson Chapa	(1991-10-24) 24 October 1991 (age 33)	8	0	Napsa Stars	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Saddam Phiri	(1992-09-09) 9 September 1992 (age 32)	6	0	Red Arrows	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Austin Muwowo	(1996-09-26) 26 September 1996 (age 28)	6	1	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	David Simukonda	(2005-08-10) 10 August 2005 (age 19)	3	0	ZESCO United	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Owen Tembo	(1995-05-16) 16 May 1995 (age 29)	3	0	Power Dynamos	2024 COSAFA Cup
MF	Emmanuel Banda	(1997-09-29) 29 September 1997 (age 27)	32	0	Rijeka	v.  Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF	Joshua Mutale	(2002-01-24) 24 January 2002 (age 22)	11	0	Power Dynamos	v.  Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF	Golden Mafwenta	(2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 23)	8	0	MFK Vyškov	v.  Malawi; 26 March 2024
MF	Larry Bwalya	(1995-05-29) 29 May 1995 (age 29)	18	1	AmaZulu	2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF	Jackson Chirwa	(1995-06-11) 11 June 1995 (age 29)	30	1	Green Buffaloes	2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW	Ricky Banda	(2001-05-03) 3 May 2001 (age 23)	8	1	Red Arrows	v.  Sierra Leone; 10 September 2024
FW	Albert Kangwanda	(1999-04-07) 7 April 1999 (age 25)	15	5	Kafue Celtic	2024 COSAFA Cup
FW	Andrew Phiri	(2001-05-21) 21 May 2001 (age 23)	8	0	MUZA	2024 COSAFA Cup
FW	Patson Daka	(1998-10-09) 9 October 1998 (age 26)	48	21	Leicester City	v.  Tanzania; 11 June 2024
FW	Gamphani Lungu	(1998-08-19) 19 August 1998 (age 26)	17	0	SuperSport United	v.  Tanzania; 11 June 2024
FW	Fashion Sakala	(1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 27)	32	9	Al-Fayha	2023 Africa Cup of Nations
FW	Lazarous Kambole	(1994-01-20) 20 January 1994 (age 30)	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

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 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

Africa Cup of Nations										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		4	4	0	0	6	2
1984	Did not qualify									2	0	1	1	1	2
1986	Group stage	7th	3	0	1	2	2	4		2	1	1	0	1	0
1988	Withdrew									Withdrew
1990	Third place	3rd	5	3	1	1	3	2		4	3	0	1	8	2
1992	Quarter-finals	7th	3	1	0	2	1	2		6	4	1	1	11	4
1994	Runners-up	2nd	5	3	1	1	7	2		6	4	2	0	10	2
1996	Third place	3rd	6	4	1	1	15	6		4	3	0	1	7	2
1998	Group stage	10th	3	1	1	1	4	6		6	4	2	0	9	3
2000		13th	3	0	2	1	3	5		6	5	1	0	9	2
2002		14th	3	0	1	2	1	3		6	3	2	3	7	6
2004	Did not qualify									6	3	2	1	6	5
2006	Group stage	11th	3	1	0	2	3	6		12	7	2	3	16	11
2008		9th	3	1	1	1	5	6		6	3	2	1	9	3
2010	Quarter-finals	6th	4	1	1	2	5	5		10	3	3	4	4	10
2012	Champions	1st	6	5	1	0	9	3		6	4	1	1	11	2
2013	Group stage	12th	3	0	3	0	2	2		2	1*	0	1	1	1
2015		13th	3	0	2	1	2	3		6	3	2	1	6	2
2017	Did not qualify									6	1	4	1	7	7
2019										6	2	1	3	8	7
2021										6	2	1	3	8	12
2023	Group stage	20th	3	0	2	1	2	3		6	4	1	1	12	6
2025	Qualified									6	4	1	1	7	4
2027	To be determined									To be determined
2029
Total	1 title	18/25	69	27	19	23	83	70		140	77	30	44	236	121

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

See also

In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Zambia para niños