The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed two international friendly matches for the Chipolopolo Boys while Spain. The Copper Bullets will play the Leopards of DR Congo and the Elephants of Ivory Coast as earlier reported by the ZamFoot Crew.
The two matches will be used by Moses Sichone to fine tune and do final touches on his squad ahead of the continental showpiece.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has confirmed that the Chipolopolo Boys, currently camping in Spain ahead of the 2025 AFCON, will play two high-profile international friendly matches.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande says Zambia will face the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Ivory Coast as part of preparations for AFCON Morocco 2025.”
Chipolopolo will face DR Congo on December 16, before a replay of the 2012 AFCON final with the Elephants of Ivory Coast 24 hours later.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande explained to FAZ Media that due to the short gap between the two matches, coach Moses Sichone will field two different squads to avoid injuries and fatigue.
He adds that the DRC match will largely feature locally based players because new FIFA regulations only allow foreign-based players to join the national team from December 15.
“Most foreign-based players will not be available for the DRC match because of the new FIFA release dates. They will, however, be available for selection against Ivory Coast. Players used in the first match will also be rested to allow proper recovery before travelling to Morocco,” Shepande said.
Zambia is in Group A together with Mali, Comoros and hosts Morocco.
