Zambia cancel AFCON friendly against Ivory Coast

A day after losing 2-0 to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Zambia have decided against facing Ivory Coast on Thursday.

Coach Moses Sichone’s team is holed up in Murcia, Spain, for final touches ahead participation in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco.

However, the build up to the tournament has not been rosy for the 2012 African champions.

Now, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Machacha Shapande confirmed the cancellation of the friendly.

In a statement, Shapande cited time limitations for the change of the schedule, saying it was meant to give players enough time to recover after losing to the DRC.

He added that the scheduled friendly fell within the restricted five-day period ahead of the AFCON finals.

Zambia are winless in three straight friendlies, including against South Africa and Angola, raising some panic back home.

When will Zambia wind up camp training in Spain?

Sichone’s men will wind up their weeklong camp in Spain on Friday.

Meanwhile, most players have joined camp save for Italy-based Lameck Banda and Obino Chisala who will travel straight to Morocco.

Zambia will compete in Group A alongside Morocco, Mali and Comoros.

Sichone’s side will launch its AFCON adventure by facing Mali on Monday before taking on Comoros next Thursday.