Football: Fixtures, Results, News, Transfers, and Highlights

The Early Days of Zambian Football

1. Football arrived in Zambia during the colonial period. British settlers introduced the game in the early 20th century. Zambians quickly embraced the sport, and informal matches were common across the country. Football became a way for locals to socialise and showcase talent.

2. The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) was formed in 1929. FAZ helped organise matches and develop the sport at a national level. FAZ played a crucial role in standardising football rules and setting up leagues. As the sport’s governing body, FAZ oversaw club formation and coordinated games between teams across the nation. Its establishment marked a turning point, bringing structure and unity to Zambian football.

3. In the 1930s, football clubs began forming around mining communities. The sport was especially popular in Copperbelt towns, where mining companies sponsored teams. This support laid the groundwork for what would eventually become a structured football system in Zambia.

4. At the time, Zambia was still named Northern Rhodesia and played their first international football match in 1946 against Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), winning 4-0. Zambia gained independence in 1964 and subsequently began playing under the country’s new name.

The Golden Era of Zambian Football

1. The 1970s and 80s were a time of glory for Zambian football. Zambia became a powerhouse in African football, regularly competing at a high level. They were runners-up at the 1974 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and finished third in 1982, regularly qualifying for other AFCON tournaments. Godfrey Chitalu was the star of the team in the 1970s and Kalusha Bwalya later inherited the mantle.

The Tragedy of 1993

1. In April 1993, the Zambian national team suffered a devastating tragedy. The team’s plane crashed off the coast of Gabon, killing all on board. 18 players, along with coaches and officials, lost their lives in the accident.

2. The 1993 air disaster remains one of the darkest moments in African football. The loss of an entire generation of players was a heartbreaking blow for Zambia. This tragedy shocked the football world and left the nation mourning its heroes.

3. The tragedy of 1993 had a profound impact on Zambian football. The country faced the challenge of rebuilding its national team. Despite the setback, Zambia emerged stronger and more resilient.

The Heroics of AFCON 1994

1. Zambia defied the odds to make it to the final of AFCON 1994 despite the tragedy that had befallen their star players. Although they lost the final to Nigeria, the memory of that tournament in Tunisia remains a source of great national pride for Zambia.

AFCON 2012: Written In The Stars

1. When Zambia reached the 2012 AFCON final, fate brought them back to Gabon, where they would play the heavily fancied Côte d'Ivoire for the title. The symbolism was palpable, and the players were determined to succeed where their predecessors had been denied the chance. 

2. In an emotionally charged match, Zambia triumphed in a dramatic penalty shootout over Didier Drogba’s Elephants, claiming their first-ever AFCON title. Players celebrated on Gabonese soil, paying tribute to the 1993 team and dedicating their victory to the lost generation. For Zambians, this win was more than just a football triumph — it was a moment of healing, resilience, and pride. It highlighted the unity and perseverance of the nation and solidified Zambia’s place in African football history as champions who overcame immense tragedy.

   

   Zambia national team players celebrating//Getty Images

Modern-Day Zambian Football

1. The Zambian Super League is the top division in the country’s football pyramid. Established as a professional league, it attracts fans from all over Zambia. Major clubs like ZESCO United, Zanaco FC, and Nkana FC are regularly competitive. The league has also become a platform for young Zambian players to showcase their skills and attract international scouts.

2. The national team, Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets), remains a powerful symbol of Zambian pride.

3. After the 2012 AFCON victory, Chipolopolo have been focused on consistent performance. There have been some dips, but the future is beginning to appear brighter again. Efforts to qualify for major tournaments, like the AFCON and World Cup, keep fans hopeful for another historic run.

4. Zambian players in foreign leagues are strengthening the national team’s quality. Stars like Enock Mwepu, Patson Daka, and Fashion Sakala bring international experience. These players inspire young athletes in Zambia and raise the national team’s profile globally.

Famous Zambian Footballers

The Future of Zambian Football

1. The likes of Patson Daka and Enock Mwepu having gained experience in top leagues such as the Premier League shows that there is still talent coming through Zambia’s football pipeline.

2. The next challenge for Zambia will be to grow its football infrastructure and create facilities and pathways for local youth to succeed in the game.

3. The FAZ has a major role in football development in the country. The association has found itself in the headlines for the wrong reasons after president Andrew Kamanga was charged with money laundering in April 2024. However, hope remains that Zambia’s talented youngsters can succeed on the pitch like generations before them no matter what happens off it.

4. Zambia’s women’s team has inspired fans at home and around the world with new stars in the US’ National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), including Barbra Banda and Racheal Kundananji.

   

   Racheal Kundananji celebrating after scoring a goal//Getty Images