Zambia engage European expert for AFCON

Zambia have beefed up their coaching panel with the hiring of European technical analyst and advisor Sergio Fentanes Orozco for the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

In a statement, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) general secretary Machacha Shepande confirms the engagement of the Mexican specifically for the assignment in Morocco.

Shepande said Fentanes joined Zambia’s coaching panel upon their arrival in Casablanca where they share a group alongside Mali, Comoros and Morocco.

“I wish to confirm that, in our efforts to strengthen the Chipolopolo technical setup at the ongoing AFCON, we have engaged Sergio Fentanes Orozco as Technical Analyst/Advisor for the tournament in Morocco, which runs from 19th December, 2025 to 18th January 2026,” he said.

Zambia FA sets record straight on Fentanes

The FAZ spokesperson set the record straight that they still believe in empowering local coaches, adding that the expatriate is simply meant to complement the work of coach Moses Sichone and his backroom staff.

“Fentanes was selected because of his previous work with the Zambia national teams, including the Chipolopolo squads at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt and the 2015 AFCON in Equatorial Guinea. He also had a role with the Zambia Under-17 technical team that qualified for the 2015 CAF Under-17 AFCON finals in Niger,” Shepande added.

Fentanes, who served in a similar role with Peru and Mexico national teams, is expected to help Zambia prepare better for opponents having started the tournament with a one-all draw against Mali on Monday.

Sichone’s side returns to action on Friday for a meeting with Comoros at Stade de Mohammed V.

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