This will be the first time the Zambian National team will play a member of the UEFA since 2013 when they hosted Norway in a 0-0 international friendly match.
The Chipolopolo boys who suffered a 1-0 defeat in their last friendly match against Mali will next month face Israel in another international friendly to be played at Petach Tikva stadium.
This will also be the first time Zambia and Israel will be meeting a FIFA-recognized match in many years.
Football Association of Zambia(FAZ) General Secretary Adrian kashala has said in a statement that the match is part of the association’s long-term plan to keep the Chipolopolo engaged ahead of Competitive assignments.
” We are excited to announce the organisation of an international friendly match between Zambia and Israel to be staged on November 17, 2022, during the FIFA window,” Kashala said.
He added that both teams are expected to field in their A teams for the FIFA approved game
” The match will be held in Europe with both teams fielding their A-teams for the FIFA approved game”
Kashala also stressed that the two countries have over the years had football ties which has seen most Zambian footballers play in Israel.
“Over the years we had football ties which have seen Zambia players play their trade in Israel. Notably, Emmanuel Mayuka, Evans Kangwe, William Njobvu, Lameck Banda, Klings Kangwa, Roger Kola, Francis Kasonda, Fwayo Tembo and Justin Zulu have left a footprint in Israel,” Kashala said
Zambia has lost three times in their last five matches excluding the Cosafa fixtures and have only managed to two games.
They are preparing for the postponed 2023 AFCON qualifier matches against Lesotho, Ivory Coast and Comoros in Group H as they are looking to make a return to the continent’s biggest football stage after missing the last three editions.
