YOUTH, Sports and Arts minister Elvis Nkandu has expressed disappointment over the performance of the Zambia Senior Men’s National Football Team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, saying the Chipolopolo fell far below expectations for a nation that has previously lifted the continental trophy.
Nkandu said the government was not satisfied with Zambia’s showing, particularly as the team failed to register a win and only collected two points from a possible nine in the group stage.
The minister expressed his frustratating stating that players did not show the required character, patriotism, sense of responsibility or will to win that is expected when wearing the national jersey.
“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,” Nkandu said.
He further noted that the poor showing should be a moment of reflection for the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the technical bench and the players, urging all stakeholders to introspect and ask themselves whether these were the results they truly wanted for the country.
Nkandu also reminded football stakeholders to start implementing some of the recommendations made during the National Football Indaba convened on December 1 and 2, stating that these submissions must now be fully utilised.
“We need to 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,” he said.
While acknowledging progress at youth levels, the Minister expressed concern that the senior men’s national team has failed to match that growth, describing the situation as urgent and requiring immediate intervention.
Last night, Morocco and Mali advanced to the knock out stage from Group A, as Comoros and Zambia were sent packing to watch New year fireworks at their respective homes.
By George Musonda
Kalemba December 30, 2025
