Government Expresses Disappointment with Chipolopolo’s AFCON 2025 Performance

30.12.2025 | Football DNA

The Government of the Republic of Zambia has expressed disappointment over the performance of the Zambia Senior Men’s National Football Team at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament in Morocco.

Minister of Youth, Sport and Arts, Hon. Elvis C. Nkandu, MP, said the government is not satisfied with the team’s output, especially considering Zambia’s proud history as former African champions.

“I am disappointed by the performance of our boys. We need to immediately start reorganising ourselves. Our players did not show the required character, patriotism, sense of responsibility, and will to win that is expected when one wears the national jersey,” said the Minister.

Hon. Nkandu highlighted that Zambia’s failure to record a single victory and collecting only two points out of a possible nine was far below national expectations for a team with a continental championship legacy.

“This is not a good showing for former champions. We urge the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the technical bench, and the players to introspect and ask themselves whether these are the results they truly wanted for the country,” he added.

The Minister further reminded stakeholders of the National Football Indaba held on 1st and 2nd December, stressing the need to implement the strong recommendations that were proposed.

“We must tap into the very rich submissions from the Indaba. Those recommendations were meant to guide reforms in Zambian football, and this performance shows that implementation can no longer be delayed,” Hon. Nkandu emphasized.

While acknowledging positive progress among Zambia’s age-group national teams, the Minister expressed concern that the senior team continues to underperform.

“The growth of our junior national teams is commendable. However, the senior men’s team has not matched that progress, and this is an issue that must be urgently addressed,” he said.

Issued by:

Nchimunya Bobby Ng’andu (Mr.)

Principal Public Relations Officer

Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts