Zambia Face Tough Algeria Test as 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Begin

31-07-2026 | Football DNA

The Zambia Men's National Team will begin their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027 qualification campaign with a challenging away fixture against African giants Algeria before returning home to host Togo in September.

The Chipolopolo will travel to face the Desert Foxes during the FIFA international window scheduled for 21 September to 6 October, with the home encounter against the Hawks of Togo also set to be played within the same period.

In November, Zambia will continue their Group I campaign with back-to-back fixtures against Burundi. The Chipolopolo will first welcome Burundi before travelling to Bujumbura for the reverse fixture during the FIFA window running from 9 to 17 November.

The qualification campaign will conclude in March 2027, with Zambia hosting Algeria before travelling to Lomé to face Togo in their final Group I match. These decisive fixtures, scheduled between 22 and 30 March, will determine the teams that secure qualification for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027.

There is added excitement for Zambian football fans, as the National Heroes Stadium is nearing completion. If ready in time, the Chipolopolo could make a long-awaited return to their traditional home ground after playing their home qualifiers at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium for the past four years.

The upcoming clash against Algeria also brings back memories for head coach George Lwandamina, who was part of the technical bench led by Aggrey Chiyangi when Zambia faced the Desert Foxes at Mustapha Tchaker Stadium in Blida during the 2019 AFCON qualification campaign.

With a demanding group ahead, the Chipolopolo will be aiming for a strong start as they seek to book their place at the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.