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Zambia national football team

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This article is about the men's team. For the women's team, see Zambia women's national football team.

The Zambia national football team represents Zambia in association football and is governed by the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ). During the 1980s, they were known as the KK 11, after founding president Dr. Kenneth Kaunda ("KK") who ruled Zambia from 1964 to 1991. After the country adopted multiparty politics, the side was nicknamed Chipolopolo which means the "Copper Bullets".[3] The team won an Africa Cup of Nations title in 2012. This team has also become the most successful team in the COSAFA Cup, surpassing Zimbabwe after winning the 2023 edition.

Zambia
Nickname(s)Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets)
AssociationFootball Association of Zambia (FAZ)
ConfederationCAF (Africa)
Sub-confederationCOSAFA (Southern Africa)
Head coachAvram Grant
CaptainLubambo Musonda
Most capsKennedy Mweene (122)
Top scorerGodfrey Chitalu (79)
Home stadiumLevy Mwanawasa Stadium
National Heroes Stadium
FIFA codeZAM
First colours
Second colours
Third colours
FIFA ranking
Current 90 Decrease 4 (20 June 2024)[1]
Highest15 (February – May 1996, August 1996)
Lowest102 (February 2011)
First international
 Southern Rhodesia 0–4 Northern Rhodesia 
(Southern Rhodesia; 1946)
Biggest win
 Zambia 11–2 Swaziland 
(Lusaka, Zambia; 5 February 1978)
 Zambia 9–0 Kenya 
(Lilongwe, Malawi; 13 November 1978)
 Zambia 9–0 Lesotho 
(Botswana; 8 August 1988)
Biggest defeat
 DR Congo 10–1 Zambia 
(DR Congo; 22 November 1969)
 Belgium 9–0 Zambia 
(Brussels, Belgium; 3 June 1994)
Africa Cup of Nations
Appearances18 (first in 1974)
Best resultChampions (2012)
COSAFA Cup
Appearances19 (first in 1997)
Best resultChampions (1997, 1998, 2006, 2013, 2019, 2022, 2023)
Four Nations Football Tournament
Appearances1 (first in 2024)
Best resultThird place (2024)
Medal record
CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Gold medal – first place 2012 Gabon and Equatorial Guinea Team
Silver medal – second place 1974 Egypt Team
Silver medal – second place 1994 Tunisia Team
Bronze medal – third place 1982 Libya Team
Bronze medal – third place 1990 Algeria Team
Bronze medal – third place 1996 South Africa Team
CAF African Nations Championship
Bronze medal – third place 2009 Ivory Coast Team
COSAFA Cup
Gold medal – first place 1997 Southern Africa
Gold medal – first place 1998 Southern Africa
Gold medal – first place 2006 Southern Africa
Gold medal – first place 2013 Zambia Team
Gold medal – first place 2019 South Africa
Gold medal – first place 2023 South Africa
Silver medal – second place 2004 Southern Africa
Silver medal – second place 2005 Southern Africa
Silver medal – second place 2007 Southern Africa
Silver medal – second place 2009 Zimbabwe
Silver medal – second place 2017 South Africa
Silver medal – second place 2018 South Africa
Bronze medal – third place 2008 South Africa
CECAFA Cup
Gold medal – first place 1984 Uganda
Gold medal – first place 1991 Uganda
Silver medal – second place 1976 Zanzibar
Silver medal – second place 1977 Somalia
Silver medal – second place 1978 Malawi
Silver medal – second place 1988 Malawi
Silver medal – second place 2006 Ethiopia
Bronze medal – third place 1981 Tanzania
Bronze medal – third place 1992 Tanzania
Bronze medal – third place 2013 Kenya

History

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Zambian Air Force Flight 319

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Main article: 1993 Zambia national football team air disaster

Tragedy struck the Zambian team when the military plane (REG: AF-319) transporting the team to Senegal for a 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier crashed late in the evening, on April 27, 1993. Three stops were planned for re-fuelling, but at the first stop, in Brazzaville, engine problems were noted on the Buffalo DHC-5D of the Zambia Air Force. Despite this, the flight continued, and a few minutes after take-off from Libreville, Gabon, where the second stopover had taken place, one of the engines caught fire and stopped. The pilot, who had already made a flight from Mauritius the day before, accidentally shut down the other engine, which was still running. The loss of power, during the climb after take-off, caused the plane to fall and crash into the water 500m off the coast. All 30 passengers and crew, including 18 players, were killed in the accident.[4]

1994–2012

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On June 3, 1994, in Brussels, the Zambian football team succumbed to one of the worst losses in its history against Belgium, losing 9–0. At CAN 1996, they finished first in the group with two victories (5–1 against Burkina Faso, goals from Kenneth Malitoli, double from Kalusha Bwalya, goals from Dennis Lota and Johnson Bwalya); 4–0 against Sierra Leone (a hattrick from Kalusha Bwalya and goal from Mordon Malitoli) and a draw (0–0 against Algeria), beat Egypt (3–1) in the quarterfinals and loses in semis against Tunisia (2–4) but took third place over Ghana (1–0, goal from Johnson Bwalya). Kalusha Bwalya was the best in the competition with 5 goals. From 1998 to 2006, Zambia did not pass the first round, except in 2004 when they failed to qualify. On September 3, 2006, at home, Zambia achieved the biggest victory in its history against Djibouti, winning 10–0. During the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, Zambia finished third in the group with a 3–0 victory against Sudan (goals by James Chamanga, Jacob Mulenga and Felix Katongo), a draw (1–1 against Egypt, goal from Chris Katongo) and loss (1–5 against Cameroon, goal from Chris Katongo). In 2010, Zambia finished first in her group and faced Nigeria in the quarter-finals where she lost on penalties. Jacob Mulenga and Emmanuel Mbola were included in the tournament's Best XI. In 2012, the best AFCON in Zambia history happened. During the tournament’s group stage, they defeated Senegal(2-1), drew with Libya (2-2), and defeated Equatorial Guinea (1-0), and qualified top of their group. During the knockout stage, Zambia defeated Sudan (3-0) in the Quarterfinals, beat Ghana in the semifinals (1-0) and went up against Ivory Coast in the final, where the won their first title, after defeating them in a dramatic Penalty shootout after a 0-0 draw after extra time.[5]

Kit provider

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Kit provider Period
  Adidas 1993–1996
  Puma 1997–2000
  Diadora 2001–2002
  Umbro 2003
  Nike 2004–2015
  Kappa 2016
  Mafro 2017
  KoPa 2018–

Results and fixtures

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The following is a list of match results in the last 12 months, as well as any future matches that have been scheduled.

  Win   Draw   Loss   Fixture

2023

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6 July 2023 COSAFA Cup Zambia   0–1   Malawi Durban
18:00 Report
  • Katebe   17' (o.g.)
 Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium
9 July 2023 COSAFA Cup Zambia   2–1   Comoros Durban
15:00
Report
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium
11 July 2023 COSAFA Cup Seychelles   2–4   Zambia KwaMashu
15:00
Report
Stadium: Princess Magogo Stadium
14 July 2023 COSAFA Cup SF South Africa   1–2   Zambia Durban
18:00
Report
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium
16 July 2023 COSAFA Cup F Lesotho   0–1   Zambia Durban
18:00 Report
Stadium: King Zwelithini Stadium
9 September 2023 AFCON qualification Comoros   1–1   Zambia Moroni, Comoros
22:00 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: Stade Omnisports de Malouzini
Referee: Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi)
12 October Friendly Egypt   1–0   Zambia Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
H. Fathy   90' Report Stadium: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium
Referee: Ahmed Eisa Darwish (United Arab Emirates)
17 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Zambia   4–2   Congo Ndola, Zambia
18:00 UTC+2
Report
Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Referee: Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt)
21 November 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Niger   2–1   Zambia Marrakesh, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Stade de Marrakech
Attendance: 200
Referee: Abdulrazg Ahmed (Libya)

2024

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9 January Friendly Zambia   1–1   Cameroon Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
17:00 UTC+3
Report
Stadium: King Abdullah Sports City Stadium
17 January 2023 AFCON GS DR Congo   1–1   Zambia San Pédro, Ivory Coast
 Report
Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium
Attendance: 15,478
Referee: Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia)
21 January 2023 AFCON GS Zambia   1–1   Tanzania San Pédro, Ivory Coast
 Report
Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium
Attendance: 13,342
Referee: Djindo Louis Houngnandande (Benin)
24 January 2023 AFCON GS Zambia   0–1   Morocco San Pédro, Ivory Coast
Report
Stadium: Laurent Pokou Stadium
Attendance: 15,231
Referee: Patrice Tanguy (Gabon)
23 March Friendly Zambia   2–2
(5–6 p)		   Zimbabwe Lilongwe, Malawi
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
26 March Friendly Malawi   1–2   Zambia Lilongwe, Malawi
Report Stadium: Bingu National Stadium
7 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Morocco   2–1   Zambia Agadir, Morocco
20:00 UTC+1
Report
Stadium: Adrar Stadium
Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)
11 June 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification Zambia   0–1   Tanzania Ndola, Zambia
15:00 UTC+2 Report
Stadium: Levy Mwanawasa Stadium
Referee: Abdel Aziz Bouh (Mauritania)
27 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Zambia   0–2   Kenya Gqeberha, South Africa
18:00 Report
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium
30 June 2024 COSAFA Cup Zambia   0–2   Zimbabwe Gqeberha, South Africa
15:00 Report
Stadium: Isaac Wolfson Stadium
2 July 2024 COSAFA Cup Comoros   v   Zambia Gqeberha, South Africa
Stadium: Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

Managers

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Caretaker managers are listed in italics.

Players

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Current squad

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The following players were called up for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.[6]

Caps and goals as of 27 June 2024, after the game against Kenya.

No. Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club
1GK Charles Kalumba (1996-01-21) 21 January 1996 (age 28) 5 0   Red Arrows
1GK Victor Chabu (1994-02-22) 22 February 1994 (age 30) 0 0   Nchanga Rangers
1GK Willard Mwanza (1997-06-03) 3 June 1997 (age 27) 0 0   Power Dynamos
2DF Zakaria Chilongoshi (1999-10-27) 27 October 1999 (age 24) 16 0   Prison Leopards
2DF John Chishimba (2002-07-19) 19 July 2002 (age 21) 6 0   ZESCO United
2DF Killian Kanguluma (1999-12-16) 16 December 1999 (age 24) 6 1   Kabwe Warriors
2DF Mathews Chabala (2002-07-19) 19 July 2002 (age 21) 5 0   ZESCO United
2DF Brian Chilimina (1997-06-27) 27 June 1997 (age 27) 1 0   Red Arrows
2DF Chitoshi Chinga (1998-12-24) 24 December 1998 (age 25) 1 0   Nkana
2DF Owen Mwamba (1998-07-24) 24 July 1998 (age 25) 1 0   Mufulira Wanderers
2DF Mathews Banda (2005-08-06) 6 August 2005 (age 18) 0 0   Nkana
3MF Kelvin Kapumbu (1996-04-06) 6 April 1996 (age 28) 34 0   ZESCO United
3MF Fredrick Mulambia (2002-07-10) 10 July 2002 (age 22) 8 2   Power Dynamos
3MF Abraham Siankombo (1998-03-03) 3 March 1998 (age 26) 7 0   ZESCO United
3MF Dickson Chapa (1991-10-24) 24 October 1991 (age 32) 6 0   Napsa Stars
3MF Saddam Phiri (1992-09-09) 9 September 1992 (age 31) 5 0   Red Arrows
3MF Austin Muwowo (1996-09-26) 26 September 1996 (age 27) 4 1   Power Dynamos
3MF David Simukonda (2005-08-10) 10 August 2005 (age 18) 1 0   ZESCO United
3MF Owen Tembo (1995-05-16) 16 May 1995 (age 29) 1 0   Power Dynamos
4FW Albert Kangwanda (1999-04-07) 7 April 1999 (age 25) 13 5   Kafue Celtic
4FW Ricky Banda (2001-05-03) 3 May 2001 (age 23) 7 1   Red Arrows
4FW Andrew Phiri (2001-05-21) 21 May 2001 (age 23) 6 0   MUZA
4FW Jimmy Mukeya (2002-02-23) 23 February 2002 (age 22) 0 0   Kansanshi Dynamos

Recent call-ups

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The following players had been called up in 12 months preceding the above draft.

Pos. Player Date of birth (age) Caps Goals Club Latest call-up
GK Toaster Nsabata (1993-11-24) 24 November 1993 (age 30) 39 0   Sekhukhune United v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
GK Lawrence Mulenga (1998-08-21) August 21, 1998 (age 25) 18 0   Power Dynamos v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
GK Francis Mwansa (2002-07-14) July 14, 2002 (age 21) 5 0   Green Buffaloes 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Stoppila Sunzu (1989-06-22) 22 June 1989 (age 35) 92 6   Jinan Xingzhou v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF Tandi Mwape (1996-07-20) 20 July 1996 (age 27) 29 1   Mazembe v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF Luka Banda (1995-04-06) 6 April 1995 (age 29) 14 0   Napsa Stars v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF Frankie Musonda (1997-12-12) 12 December 1997 (age 26) 16 1   Ayr United v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF Miguel Chaiwa (2004-06-07) 7 June 2004 (age 20) 10 0   Young Boys v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF Gift Mphande (2003-11-19) 19 November 2003 (age 20) 5 0   Hapoel Rishon LeZion v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
DF Benedict Chepeshi (1996-06-10) 10 June 1996 (age 28) 47 0   Red Arrows v.   Malawi; 26 March 2024
DF Dominic Chanda (1996-02-26) 26 February 1996 (age 28) 30 1   Kabwe Warriors v.   Malawi; 26 March 2024
DF Zephaniah Phiri (1996-11-19) 19 November 1996 (age 27) 4 0   Prison Leopards v.   Malawi; 26 March 2024
DF Rodrick Kabwe (1992-11-30) 30 November 1992 (age 31) 48 0   Sekhukhune United 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
DF Teddy Khumalo (2004-02-12) 12 February 2004 (age 20) 0 0 Free agent 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
MF Lubambo Musonda (captain) (1995-03-01) 1 March 1995 (age 29) 53 2   Silkeborg v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF Kelvin Kampamba (1996-11-24) 24 November 1996 (age 27) 48 6   ZESCO United v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF Benson Sakala (1996-09-12) 12 September 1996 (age 27) 38 0   Mladá Boleslav v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF Emmanuel Banda (1997-09-29) 29 September 1997 (age 26) 32 0   Rijeka v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF Kings Kangwa (1999-04-06) 6 April 1999 (age 25) 32 6   Red Star Belgrade v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF Edward Chilufya (1999-09-17) 17 September 1999 (age 24) 17 1   Häcken v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF Joshua Mutale (2002-01-24) 24 January 2002 (age 22) 11 0   Power Dynamos v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
MF Clatous Chama (1991-06-18) 18 June 1991 (age 33) 38 7   Simba v.   Malawi; 26 March 2024
MF Golden Mafwenta (2001-01-15) 15 January 2001 (age 23) 8 0   MFK Vyškov v.   Malawi; 26 March 2024
MF Larry Bwalya (1995-05-29) 29 May 1995 (age 29) 18 1   AmaZulu 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
MF Jackson Chirwa (1995-06-11) 11 June 1995 (age 29) 30 1   Green Buffaloes 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Patson Daka (1998-10-09) 9 October 1998 (age 25) 48 21   Leicester City v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
FW Gamphani Lungu (1998-08-19) 19 August 1998 (age 25) 17 0   SuperSport United v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
FW Kennedy Musonda (1994-12-28) 28 December 1994 (age 29) 9 0   Young Africans v.   Tanzania; 11 June 2024
FW Lameck Banda (2001-01-29) 29 January 2001 (age 23) 15 3   Lecce v.   Malawi; 26 March 2024
FW Fashion Sakala (1997-03-14) 14 March 1997 (age 27) 32 9   Al-Fayha 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
FW Lazarous Kambole (1994-01-20) 20 January 1994 (age 30) 17 7   ZESCO United 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
FW Francisco Mwepu (2000-02-29) 29 February 2000 (age 24) 3 0   Cádiz 2023 Africa Cup of Nations PRE
Notes
  • DEC Refused to join the team after the call-up.
  • INJ Withdrew due to an injury.
  • PRE Preliminary Squad.
  • RET Retired from international association football.
  • SUS Suspended from the team.

Player records

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As of 11 June 2024[7]
Players in bold are still active with Zambia.

Most appearances

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Rank Player Apps Goals Career
1 Kennedy Mweene 122 2 2004–2021
2 David Chabala 115 0 1983–1993
3 Godfrey Chitalu 111 79 1968–1980
4 Joseph Musonda 108 0 2002–2014
5 Rainford Kalaba 103 15 2005–2018
Christopher Katongo 103 23 2003–2016
7 Alex Chola 102 43 1975–1985
8 Elijah Tana 101 4 1995–2009
9 Derby Makinka 98 10 1985–1993
10 Stoppila Sunzu 92 6 2008–present

Top goalscorers

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Rank Player Goals Apps Ratio Career
1 Godfrey Chitalu 79 111 0.71 1968–1980
2 Alex Chola 43 102 0.42 1975–1985
3 Kalusha Bwalya 39 87 0.45 1983–2004
4 Bernard Chanda 29 68 0.43 1971–1980
5 Christopher Katongo 23 103 0.22 2003–2016
6 Collins Mbesuma 22 65 0.34 2003–2017
7 Patson Daka 21 48 0.44 2015–present
Dennis Lota 21 78 0.27 1994–2002
9 Kenneth Malitoli 19 80 0.24 1988–1999
10 James Chamanga 17 63 0.27 2005–2015

Competitive record

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FIFA World Cup

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FIFA World Cup record Qualification record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA Pld W D L GF GA
1930 to 1962 Not a FIFA member Not a FIFA member
  1966 Did not enter Did not enter
  1970 Did not qualify 2 1 0 1 6 6
  1974 10 4 3 3 19 11
  1978 6 3 1 2 9 5
  1982 4 2 1 1 6 2
  1986 6 2 1 3 8 6
  1990 6 3 0 3 7 6
  1994 8 5 1 2 17 5
  1998 8 3 2 3 10 8
    2002 10 5 2 3 16 11
  2006 12 7 2 3 21 11
  2010 10 3 3 4 4 6
  2014 6 3 2 1 11 4
  2018 8 4 2 2 11 7
  2022 6 2 1 3 8 9
      2026 To be determined 4 1 0 3 6 7
      2030 To be determined
  2034
Total 0/15 106 48 21 37 159 103

Africa Cup of Nations

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Main article: Zambia at the Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Cup of Nations record
Year Round Position Pld W D* L GF GA
  1957 to   1963 Not affiliated to CAF
  1965 Did not enter
  1968
  1970 Did not qualify
  1972
  1974 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 0 2 9 7
  1976 Did not qualify
  1978 Group stage 5th 3 1 1 1 3 2
  1980 Did not qualify
  1982 Third place 3rd 5 3 0 2 7 3
  1984 Did not qualify
  1986 Group stage 7th 3 0 1 2 2 4
  1988 Withdrew
  1990 Third place 3rd 5 3 1 1 3 2
  1992 Quarter-finals 7th 3 1 0 2 1 2
  1994 Runners-up 2nd 5 3 1 1 7 2
  1996 Third place 3rd 6 4 1 1 15 6
  1998 Group stage 10th 3 1 1 1 4 6
    2000 13th 3 0 2 1 3 5
  2002 14th 3 0 1 2 1 3
  2004 Did not qualify
  2006 Group stage 11th 3 1 0 2 3 6
  2008 9th 3 1 1 1 5 6
  2010 Quarter-finals 6th 4 1 1 2 5 5
    2012 Champions 1st 6 5 1 0 9 3
  2013 Group stage 12th 3 0 3 0 2 2
  2015 13th 3 0 2 1 2 3
  2017 Did not qualify
  2019
  2021
  2023 Group stage 20th 3 0 2 1 2 3
  2025 To be determined
      2027
Total 1 title 18/25 69 27 19 23 83 70

COSAFA Cup

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Main article: COSAFA Cup
Year COSAFA Cup record
Result Pld W D L GF GA
1997 Winners 5 3 2 0 11 4
1998 Winners 5 3 2 0 5 2
1999 Semi-finals 2 0 1 1 1 2
2000 Quarter-finals 2 1 1 0 3 0
2001 Semi-finals 3 1 2 0 3 2
2002 Semi-finals 2 1 0 1 3 1
2003 Semi-finals 2 1 1 0 5 3
2004 Runners-up 3 2 1 0 3 1
2005 Runners-up 4 2 1 1 7 3
2006 Winners 4 4 0 0 8 1
2007 Runners-up 2 1 1 0 3 0
  2008 Third place 3 1 1 1 2 1
  2009 Runners-up 3 2 0 1 4 3
  2013 Winners 3 2 1 0 5 1
  2015 Quarter-finals 3 1 1 1 3 1
  2016 Quarter-finals 1 0 1 0 0 0
  2017 Runners-up 3 2 0 1 7 6
  2018 Runners-up 3 1 1 1 3 4
  2019 Winners 3 2 1 0 3 2
  2021 Group stage 4 1 1 2 3 4
  2022 Winners 3 2 1 0 6 4
  2023 Winners 5 4 0 1 9 5
  2024 Group stage 3 0 0 3 0 5
Total

References

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  1. ^ "The FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking". FIFA. 20 June 2024. Retrieved 20 June 2024.
  2. ^ Elo rankings change compared to one year ago. "World Football Elo Ratings". eloratings.net. 10 July 2024. Retrieved 10 July 2024.
  3. ^ "History of Zambian National Team". fazfootball.com. Football Association of Zambia. Archived from the original on 24 March 2019. Retrieved 29 October 2016.
  4. ^ "Zambia's remarkable journey makes them winners regardless". FourFourTwo. 12 February 2012. Archived from the original on 28 June 2012. Retrieved 2 December 2013.
  5. ^ "CAF releases Top XI of Orange CAN". CAF Online. Archived from the original on 4 February 2010. Retrieved 18 October 2021.
  6. ^ "Final Squad". Facebook. Football Association of Zambia.
  7. ^ Jerry Muchimba and Roberto Mamrud. "Zambia – Record International Players". Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation. Archived from the original on 10 July 2022. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
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