Zambia provide update after health scare in South Africa

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has provided an update on their squad’s bill of health in the aftermath of Saturday’s loss to South Africa in an Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) warm-up.

The Copper Bullets’ coaching panel members and some players were taken ill hours before the friendly against Bafana Bafana at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, due to suspected food poisoning.

Consequently, coach Moses Sichone and video analyst Elias Chipota missed the match in Port Elizabeth, while midfielder Miguel Chaiwa appears to have fallen ill after the game. Eventually, Chipolopolo slumped to a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Hugo Broos’ men during the AFCON preparatory game.

Now, FAZ has given an update indicating that Sichone, Chaiwa and Chipota have been admitted to St George Private Hospital in the South African coastal city, while some members of the delegation have flown to Angola.

DEFEAT ON THE ROAD!

South Africa 3-1 Zambia #FIFAInternationalFriendly#RSAZAM#WeAreChipolopolo pic.twitter.com/tiRMhIKomD

— FAZ (@FAZFootball) November 15, 2025

The trio were admitted after having been taken to the hospital following their worsened condition that was aggravated by fever, diarrhoea and vomiting. Team Doctor Wesley Ngongo has been left behind to tend to the ailing trio,” FAZ’s statement reads.

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is working closely with its host Association and the local medical authorities to ensure that the affected receive the best possible medical attention. We are also happy that some of the cases reported in the team earlier have significantly improved with the affected parties being monitored.”

Daka and Company Withdraw from Zambia’s Squad

Meanwhile, while the rest of the contingent has travelled to Luanda, Zesco United players have returned home to join their Egypt-bound teammates for the CAF Confederation match against Zamalek.

Therefore, Zambia will face the Angolans without Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande, Pascal Phiri and David Simukonda. Star striker Patson Daka will also miss the match following a request by his club, Leicester City, that he return.

There are more withdrawals from the Chipolopolo camp, with Israel-based Kennedy Musonda also excusing himself to attend to his ill wife.

Zambia face Angola on Tuesday in Luanda as both teams step up preparations for the AFCON finals scheduled for Morocco in December.