Online Reporter
ZAMBIA have been dealt a huge blow just a few days to the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, with head coach Moses Sichone being ineligible to lead the Chipolopolo at the continental football show-piece.
The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has been scheduled to run from December 21 through to January 18, 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy in the North African nation.
But Zambia’s preparation for the tournament has suffered a major setback, as coach Moses Sichone lacks the required licence to lead the Chipolopolo at the continental show-piece.
Sichone, a former Zambia captain, is deemed ineligible to lead the Chipolopolo under the newly introduced Confederation of African Football coaching requirements despite being one of the most highly qualified coaches in the country. The 48-year-old, who holds a UEFA A coaching licence falls short of the latest CAF regulations, which guide that all coaches involved in CAF national team competitions and CAF club tournaments must possess either a CAF A or a Pro licence. Sichone was appointed Zambia coach in November 2025, replacing former Chelsea tactician and Israeli gaffer Avram Grant.
The Zambia Football Association are now racing against time to settle on a qualified tactician for the tournament, which kick starts in three days’ time.
Group analysis
Group A is a pool that blends pedigree, passion, and unpredictability.
Morocco carry the weight of home advantage, Mali bring consistency and flair, Zambia arrive with ambition rooted in past glory and Comoros seek to prove their rise is no fluke.
MOROCCO — The Atlas Lions’
Homecoming
AFCON Pedigree: Champions in 1976
Finals Appearances: 20th
Morocco enter as hosts and continental contenders. With a squad stacked with European stars and a tactical identity forged in recent World Cup success, the Atlas Lions are expected to dominate.
The pressure of home soil is immense, but so is the opportunity to deliver a historic triumph.
Fixtures: December 21 v Comoros, Rabat (1900), 26 v Mali, Rabat (1900), 29 v Zambia, Rabat (1730)
Qualifying: Group B winners
Results: Gabon 4-1 home 5-1 away, Lesotho 7-0 1-0, Central African Republic 5-0 4-0
Leading scorer: 7 Brahim Diaz
Captain: Achraf Hakimi, defender
Coach: Walid Regragui (MAR)
Rankings: 1 Africa, 11 World
Previous appearances: 19
Best placing: Champions 1976
Most goals scored: Namibia 5-1 (2008)
Most goals conceded: Uganda 0-3 (1978)
Popular name: Atlas Lions
MALI – The Eagles’ Consistency
AFCON Pedigree: Runners-up in 1972
Finals Appearances: 13th
Mali are perennial dark horses. Known for producing technically gifted players and resilient performances, they consistently reach the latter stages but have yet to lift the trophy. Group A offers them a chance to stake their claim as genuine title contenders.
ZAMBIA – Chipolopolo’s Ambition
AFCON Pedigree: Champions in 2012
Finals Appearances: 19th
Zambia’s unforgettable 2012 triumph remains etched in AFCON folklore. Since then, they’ve battled to recapture that magic. With a blend of youthful energy and experienced campaigners, Chipolopolo arrive in Morocco determined to prove they can rise again.
Fixtures: December 22 v Mali, Casablanca (1430), 26 v Comoros, Casablanca (1430), 29 v Morocco, Rabat (1730)
Qualifying: Group G winners
Results: Cote d’ Ivoire 1-0 home 0-2 away, Sierra Leone 3-2 2-0, Chad 0-0 1-0
Leading scorer: 4 Kennedy Musonda
Captain: Lubambo Musonda, defender
Coach: Moses Sichone (ZAM)
Rankings: 19 Africa, 90 World
Previous appearances: 18 — AFP Sport/africasoccer.com
