Zambia’s national football team, commonly known as the Chipolopolo or Copper Bullets, has made significant strides in the latest FIFA rankings.

After their impressive performance in the recent AFCON (Africa Cup of Nations) qualifiers, where they secured victories over Lesotho in both home and away matches, Zambia has moved up from the 88th to the 86th position in the FIFA world rankings. They also maintained their 17th position in Africa.

In the first match against Lesotho, played at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia, the Chipolopolo displayed remarkable resilience and determination. Despite falling behind early in the game, Lameck Banda‘s masterclass helped them turn the tide and secure a 3-1 victory, sending the home crowd into bedlam. The win was a testament to Zambia’s attacking prowess and ability to come from behind to secure crucial victories.

The reverse fixture, played in South Africa, saw Zambia’s Patson Daka and Fashion Sakala grabbing the headlines with their impressive performance, Patson Daka scored a brace and all the goals were assisted by Fashion Sakala

The rise in FIFA rankings for Zambia is a significant achievement for the team, and it reflects their hard work, determination, and improvement on the international football stage. With the team now ranked 86th in the world, they are just one point away from securing a spot in the AFCON tournament, which features 24 participants. The Chipolopolo’s impressive performance in the qualifiers has raised expectations among fans, who eagerly anticipate their team’s participation in the upcoming AFCON tournament.

The Zambian national team’s success in the AFCON qualifiers and their rise in FIFA rankings highlight their potential and progress as a footballing nation. The team’s collective efforts, from the explosive attacking trio to the solid defense and midfield, have contributed to their improved rankings.

As Zambia continues to strive for success in international football, their recent achievements in the FIFA rankings serve as a motivation for the team and their supporters. The Chipolopolo’s upward trajectory and promising results are a testament to their dedication and hard work, and they are poised to make their mark in African football in the coming years.

83		Bolivia	1296.42	1294.96	1.46
84		Jordan	1293.26	1289.99	3.27
85		Bahrain	1282.05	1280.27	1.78
86		Zambia	1280.52	1265.15	15.37