Can Zambia perform again in 2025, 13 years after winning the AFCON?
by Thobelani Moyo | by Cydias Aujard
Zambia: A nation carrying history and expectation
Zambia are making their 19th appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations since their debut in 1974. The bar has been set high this time around by Moses Sichone's men in the continental finals in Morocco, and that's to go all the way and lift the prestigious silverware.
This won't be the first time the Chipolopolo has achieved such a feat, having done so 13 years ago, marking their first-ever trophy. It was nothing but a memorable run from a nation that at that time was considered an underdog. They conquered Africa by outplaying the tournament favorites, the Ivory Coast, 8-7 on penalties in the final.
Zambia's triumph in the 2012 AFCON was on the same site, Libreville (Gabon), where the 1993 national team was involved in a tragic plane accident.
While it was an unforgettable triumph, they became the second Southern African nation to be crowned champions of African football. Now, they are out to repeat that same feat. Be sure to follow us as we track Zambia's progress from the group stage to the final in our AFCON 2025 predictions. Also, it is worth noting that they were the first non-coastal Southern African nation to achieve success outside its region.
Check out Zambia's past performances in the AFCON:
- 1974: Runners-up
- 1978: Group stages
- 1982: Third place
- 1986: Group stages
- 1990: Third place
- 1992: Quarter-finals
- 1994: Runners-up
- 1996: Third place
- 1998: Group stages
- 2000: Group stages
- 2002: Group stages
- 2006: Group stages
- 2008: Group stages
- 2010: Quarter-finals
- 2012: Champions
- 2013: Group stages
- 2015: Group stages
- 2023: Group stages
Moses Sichone: The balance of power has shifted
After a disappointing run in the previous CHAN in East Africa and failure to qualify for the World Cup finals in North America, the Football Association of Zambia decided to part ways with former head coach Avram Grant.
Time was not wasted in finding a new replacement as they appointed Moses Sichone, who, in his days, was a defender for the senior national team, making 14 appearances between 1998 and 2006.
Before this, the 48-year-old was an assistant coach to the departed Avram Grant between 2022 and 2023.
His objective in the current edition is not simple, as he is tasked with replicating the nation's run in 2012. If that fails to materialize, progressing beyond the group stages would still satisfy expectations after failing to do so in the previous edition in the Ivory Coast.
Chipolopolo is expected to navigate a competitive group
Zambia's prospects of progressing beyond the group stages of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations are being doubted by many.
They are in Group A, which includes none other than African giants and hosts Morocco, who are tipped to win the group. Another nation that could cause problems for them in this group is Mali, which in recent years have been labeled as an outsider. Having made one final appearance in this tournament, one can not rule them out from being a genuine threat.
Facing Comoros is the only possible route for them to secure maximum points in the group stages and keep their knockout stages qualification hopes alive.
Check out Zambia's record against the three teams in Group A (incl. friendlies):
| Team | Matches played | Wins | Draws | Losses | Win Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 16 | 2 | 2 | 12 | 12.5% |
| Mali | 6 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 33.3% |
| Comoros | 4 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 75.0% |
As preparation for the current edition, Zambia have already navigated two matches. It was far from a convincing display, losing against South Africa and Angola.
Their final warm-up match against DR Congo this afternoon is an opportunity for them to get something positive before the tournament begins next week.
