Bola Yapa Zed Sports Desk | 20 November 2025
FAZ president Keith Mweemba has expressed confidence in the Chipolopolo ahead of the upcoming Morocco 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), despite Zambia’s back-to-back friendly defeats to South Africa and Angola. Zambia conceded six goals across the two matches, but Mweemba remains optimistic, stating that the team’s resilience and intent showed promising signs as they prepare for the continental showpiece.
Chipolopolo Tested in Tough Friendlies Against South Africa and Angola
Zambia suffered a 3-1 defeat to regional rivals South Africa on 15 November in Gqeberha before losing 3-2 to Angola in Luanda four days later. The two fixtures exposed defensive concerns, with Chipolopolo conceding six goals overall while scoring just three. Despite the results, the friendlies served as valuable assessment opportunities for the technical bench ahead of AFCON.
Mweemba Encouraged by Team’s Fighting Spirit
Speaking after the second friendly, FAZ president Keith Mweemba said he was not overly disappointed by the results, emphasising that the team showed heart, character, and determination—qualities he believes will be important in Morocco. According to Mweemba, the technical staff used the matches to test combinations, assess player fitness, and evaluate tactical structures.
Focus Shifts to AFCON Preparations
With the friendlies now behind them, Zambia’s attention fully turns to their AFCON preparations. Mweemba stressed the importance of steady progression rather than short-term panic, highlighting AFCON as the main objective. He added that friendly matches are designed to expose weaknesses before the tournament, enabling the team to make necessary adjustments.
FAZ Confident in Technical Bench and Player Quality
Mweemba also reaffirmed his confidence in head coach Avram Grant and the players, noting that Zambia has the quality and experience to compete strongly at the tournament. He urged fans to stand behind the team, assuring supporters that the Chipolopolo will be ready to perform on the biggest African stage.
Conclusion
Despite the disappointing friendly results, FAZ president Keith Mweemba remains confident that the Chipolopolo will rise to the challenge at Morocco 2025 AFCON. With valuable lessons taken from the defeats to South Africa and Angola, Zambia now shifts focus toward refining tactics, strengthening the squad, and building momentum ahead of the continental tournament.
