Zambia national football team facts for kids
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Nickname(s) | Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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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 |
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FIFA code | ZAM | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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FIFA ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 82 ![]() |
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Highest | 15 (February – May 1996, August 1996) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 102 (February 2011) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Elo ranking | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Current | 101 ![]() |
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Highest | 27 (6 April 1994) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Lowest | 106 (October 2009) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
First international | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Southern Rhodesia; 1946) |
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Biggest win | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (Lusaka, Zambia; 5 February 1978) ![]() ![]() (Lilongwe, Malawi; 13 November 1978) ![]() ![]() (Botswana; 8 August 1988) |
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Biggest defeat | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
![]() ![]() (DR Congo; 22 November 1969) ![]() ![]() (Brussels, Belgium; 3 June 1994) |
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Africa Cup of Nations | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Appearances | 19 (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
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The Zambia national football team represents Zambia in association football. The team is managed by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). They are often called Chipolopolo, which means "The Copper Bullets".
The team won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2012. They are also the most successful team in the COSAFA Cup. They won the 2023 edition, beating Zimbabwe's record.
Contents
History of the Team
A Sad Day in 1993
A terrible event happened to the Zambian team on April 27, 1993. A military plane carrying the team to a World Cup qualifier crashed. This happened after taking off from Libreville, Gabon. All 30 people on board, including 18 players, lost their lives. It was a very sad day for Zambian football.
From 1994 to 2012: Rising Up
After the tragedy, the team worked hard to rebuild. In 1996, they finished third in the Africa Cup of Nations. Star player Kalusha Bwalya scored 5 goals in that tournament.
Zambia didn't do as well in the Africa Cup of Nations from 1998 to 2006. However, on September 3, 2006, they achieved their biggest win ever. They beat Djibouti 10–0 at home.
In 2012, Zambia had their best Africa Cup of Nations ever. They won their group by beating Senegal and Equatorial Guinea. They also drew with Libya. In the knockout rounds, they defeated Sudan and Ghana. They reached the final against Ivory Coast. After a 0–0 draw, Zambia won their first title in a dramatic Penalty shootout.
Team Kit Providers
Kit provider | Period |
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1993–1996 |
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1997–2000 |
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2001–2002 |
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2003 |
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2004–2015 |
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2016 |
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2017 |
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2018– |
Recent Matches and Future Games
The Zambian team has played several matches recently. In 2024, they played in the World Cup qualifiers and the 2024 COSAFA Cup. They also played in the 2025 AFCON Qualifiers. They won against Sierra Leone, Chad, and Ivory Coast in the AFCON qualifiers.
Looking ahead to 2025, Zambia has more matches scheduled. These include friendly games and more World Cup and COSAFA Cup qualifiers. They have also qualified for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Team Managers
Many different coaches have led the Zambian national team over the years. Some have been from Zambia, while others have come from different countries. The current coach is Avram Grant, who started in 2022.
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–)
Current Players
This is the list of players who were called up for the 2025 AFCON qualification matches in October 2024.
No. | Pos. | Player | Date of birth (age) | Caps | Goals | Club |
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GK | Toaster Nsabata | 24 November 1993 | 39 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Lawrence Mulenga | 21 August 1998 | 20 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Francis Mwansa | 14 July 2002 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
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GK | Victor Chabu | 22 February 1994 | 1 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Benedict Chepeshi | 10 June 1996 | 48 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Kabaso Chongo | 11 February 1992 | 45 | 1 | ![]() |
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DF | Tandi Mwape | 20 July 1996 | 29 | 1 | ![]() |
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DF | Frankie Musonda | 12 December 1997 | 16 | 1 | ![]() |
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DF | Gift Mphande | 19 November 2003 | 6 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | David Bulaya | 7 October 1997 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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DF | Peter Kalota | 23 August 1999 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Lubambo Musonda (captain) | 1 March 1995 | 55 | 2 | ![]() |
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MF | Kelvin Kampamba | 24 November 1996 | 49 | 7 | ![]() |
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MF | Clatous Chama | 18 June 1991 | 40 | 7 | ![]() |
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MF | Benson Sakala | 12 September 1996 | 40 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Kings Kangwa | 6 April 1999 | 34 | 7 | ![]() |
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MF | Lameck Banda | 29 January 2001 | 17 | 3 | ![]() |
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MF | Miguel Chaiwa | 7 June 2004 | 12 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Obino Chisala | 14 September 1999 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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MF | Joseph Banda | 17 December 2005 | 2 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Edward Chilufya | 17 September 1999 | 18 | 1 | ![]() |
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FW | Kennedy Musonda | 28 December 1994 | 11 | 1 | ![]() |
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FW | Jimmy Mukeya | 23 February 2002 | 5 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Francisco Mwepu | 29 February 2000 | 3 | 0 | ![]() |
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FW | Chipyoka Songa | 24 September 2004 | 0 | 0 | ![]() |
Player Records
These tables show the players with the most games played and the most goals scored for Zambia. Players whose names are in bold are still playing for the national team.
Most Games Played
Rank | Player | Apps | Goals | Career |
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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 Goal Scorers
Rank | Player | Goals | Apps | Ratio | Career |
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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 |
Tournament History
FIFA World Cup
Zambia has never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. They have tried many times since 1970 but have not yet made it to the biggest football tournament in the world.
Africa Cup of Nations
Zambia has a strong history in the Africa Cup of Nations. They have played in the tournament 19 times. Their best achievement was winning the title in 2012. They also finished as runners-up twice, in 1974 and 1994. They came in third place three times: in 1982, 1990, and 1996.
COSAFA Cup
The Zambian team has been very successful in the COSAFA Cup, a regional tournament for Southern African teams. They have won the COSAFA Cup seven times, making them the most successful team in its history. Their wins were in 1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2022, and 2023. They have also been runners-up six times.
Team Achievements
Continental Awards
- Africa Cup of Nations
- African Nations Championship
- Third place (1): 2009
Regional Awards
- COSAFA Cup
- Champions (7): 1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023
- Runners-up (6): 2004, 2005, 2007, 2009, 2017, 2018
- Third place (1): 2008
- CECAFA Cup
- Champions (2): 1984, 1991
- Runners-up (5): 1976, 1977, 1978, 1988, 2006
- Third place (5): 1973, 1974, 1981, 1992, 2013
Special Awards
- African National Team of the Year: 2012
Summary of Wins
Senior Competitions | ![]() |
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Total |
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CAF African Cup of Nations | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 |
CAF African Nations Championship | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Total | 1 | 2 | 4 | 7 |
See also
In Spanish: Selección de fútbol de Zambia para niños