Chipolopolo Secure Russia Friendly for June FIFA Window

21.02.2025 | Football DNA

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed that the Chipolopolo will face Russia in an international friendly match during the June FIFA window in Moscow.

FAZ General Secretary Reuben Kamanga stated that the match had been arranged based on the strong historical ties between the two nations. He explained that discussions between FAZ and the Russian Football Union had resulted in an agreement to hold the fixture, with further details on the exact time and venue to be announced later.

Kamanga further highlighted that initial discussions regarding the friendly had taken place in May 2024, when Russian Ambassador to Zambia Azim Yarakhmedov met with FAZ President to deliberate on various football-related matters. Although the match was originally intended to commemorate Zambia’s 60th Independence anniversary, it had been scheduled for a later date.

The encounter is expected to be a historic moment in football relations between Zambia and Russia. Diplomatic ties between the two nations date back to October 30, 1964, just days after Zambia gained independence.

FAZ also confirmed that the match would serve as crucial preparation for the Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with both teams expected to field their strongest squads.