Zambia secure friendly matches ahead of AFCON

After officially launching their training camp in Spain on Friday, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed that the Chipolopolo Boys will play two high-profile international friendly matches as part of their preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

In a statement, FAZ secretary general Machacha Shepande revealed Zambia will face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ivory Coast. Shepande said the match against DRC will be played on December 16, while the Ivory Coast game will follow 24 hours later.

Shepande further explained due to the short gap between the two matches, coach Moses Sichone will field two different squads to avoid injuries and fatigue.

He added the DRC match will largely feature local-based players because new FIFA regulations only allow foreign-based players to join the national team from December 15.

“Most foreign-based players will not be available for the DRC match because of the new FIFA release dates. They will, however, be available for selection against Ivory Coast. Players used in the first match will also be rested to allow proper recovery before travelling to Morocco,” said Shepande.

Zambia will start AFCON against Morocco

Meanwhile, Shepande has dismissed as false and malicious reports circulating on social media alleging that FAZ is working with an agent to inflate hotel bills for the team’s camp in Murcia, Spain.

He said the claims are completely untrue and meant to distract the team from its AFCON preparations.
Shepande said it is impossible for FAZ to inflate costs or misuse public funds, as all expenditures undergo strict government scrutiny.

“There is no way government can pay for questionable services without conducting its own due diligence. Officials from the Ministry of Sports are always part of the advance team to verify accommodation and logistics. At no point can FAZ manipulate government into paying for dubious deals,” he said.

Shepande added the Keith Mweemba-led FAZ executive committee was elected on a platform of good governance, transparency, fairness, and accountability, and will not engage in any form of corrupt or shady practices.

Zambia is in Group A with Morocco, Mali, and Comoros. Zambia will compete in Group A at the finals, facing hosts Morocco on 21 December, Mali on 26 December and Comoros on 30 December.

Zambia AFCON squad in Spain camp

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— FAZ (@FAZFootball) December 10, 2025

Goalkeepers; Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco), Willard Mwanza (Power Dynamos).

Defenders; Stopilla Sunzu (Changchun, China), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain SC), Kabaso Chongo (Zesco United), Matthews Banda (Nkana), Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos), Gift Mphande (Zesco United), Obino Chisala (Al-Merrikh SC, Sudan), David Hamasenya (Leganes, Spain), Benson Sakala (Bohemians 1905, Czech Rep).

Midfielders; Miguel Changa Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Owen Tembo (Power Dynamos), Joseph Liteta (Cagliari, Italy), Kings Kangwa (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Given Kalusa (FC MUZA), David Simukonda (Zesco United), Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Maccabi Be’er Sheva, Israel), Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Lubambo Sailas Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany), Pascal Phiri (Zesco United).

Strikers; Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Jack Lahne Kalichi (Austria Lustenau, Austria), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat Gan, Israel), Eliya Mandanji (Zanaco).