The Zambian men’s national team will lock horns with Russia in an international friendly in Moscow on March 25. Owing to Congo’s ban by FIFA, the Chipolopolo Boys’ 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification fixture was canceled.
Instead, they will take on Russia, who are serving a ban themselves since 2022 due to an ongoing war in the country. Barred from participating in official FIFA and UEFA competitions, the European nation invited the Copper Bullets for a non-FIFA-sanctioned match.
Chipolopolo coach Avram Grant unveiled his 19-member squad, void of star players like Patson Daka, Lameck Banda, and Frankie Musonda for various reasons.
In anticipation of the tasty clash against Russia, BolaNews looks back at Zambia’s last five matches against non-African opponents.
Zambia vs Kuwait (2023)
Comprising a contingent of locally based players, Zambia suffered a 3-0 defeat to Kuwait at the Cairo International Stadium in Egypt. The Middle Eastern nation overwhelmed the Copper Bullets with Shabab Alkhadi, Khaled Haijai and Alr Shidi getting on the scoresheet.
The Numba Mumamba-coached side’s friendly match against Kuwait was aimed at preparing them for their defence of the COSAFA Cup in 2023.
Zambia vs Israel (2022)
Israel welcomed Zambia to the Hamoshava Stadium in 2022, where an exciting six goal thriller unfolded during the friendly match. The visitors could not keep up with Israel early on, conceding two goals in the first 24 minutes.
Galvanised by interim coach Moses Sichone at halftime, the Chipolopolo Boys turned up a notch in the second proceeding. Ten minutes after the break, Larry Bwalya pounced on the home team, setting up Kings Kangwa’s ferocious strike.
Zambia got a much deserved equaliser from Larry Bwalya’s header in the 66th minute but gave away two goals in the dying embers of the match. At the time, Zambia was finalising the appointment of Israeli tactician Avram Grant as the Chipolopolo head coach.
Zambia vs Iraq (2022)
Aljosa Asanovic’s reign as the head coach of the Copper Bullets started on a bitter note as Zambia lost 3-1 to Iraq at the Al Madina International Stadium in Baghdad.
Dhurgham broke the deadlock for Iraq at 10 minutes from the spot following a handball in the penalty box. Ahmad Ibrahim doubled the lead for the hosts in the 23rd minute, after which Albert Kangwanda forced an own goal to grab a lifeline for Zambia.
However, Aymen Hussein put the final dagger in Zambian hearts, netting a spectacular left-footed goal in the 78th minute.
Zambia vs Japan (2014)
June 6, 2014 gifted us with one of the most enthralling football encounters as a star-studded Japan battled Zambia’s 2012 AFCON winners at Raymond James Stadium in the United States. Grab your popcorn as we relive the encounter that delivered world-class goals, mouth-watering moments and a dramatic comeback.
Christopher Katongo gave the Chipolopolo Boys a lead with a clever header on the far post. Just 20 minutes later, Nathan Sinkala scored a screamer from a Chisamba Lungu layoff to make it 2-0.
Positioned just outside the box, the midfielder struck the ball sweetly with the inside of his right foot, briskly planting it into the left bottom corner. Keisuke Honda halved the deficit for Japan from 12 yards close to halftime.
The Samurai Blue scored twice in the blink of an eye to turn the game on its head after the 74th minute. Manchester United’s Shinji Kagawa scored the equalizer with a deceptive curling shot before Honda completed his brace to put Japan ahead.
89 minutes into the contest, 19-year-old substitute Lubambo Musonda made a piercing run towards goal before unleashing a long-range shot that deflected into Japan’s net. The Asian nation responded instantly from the kickoff.
Just a few seconds after coming off the bench, Toshihiro Aoyama played an exquisite pass from his own half to assist Yoshito Okubo’s 91st-minute winner.
Zambia vs Jordan (2013)
In a friendly match played in Qatar, Zambia lost 1-0 to Jordan, with Rakan Al-Khaldi scoring the only goal in the 78th minute.
Zambia Vs Brazil (2013)
Fresh from winning the AFCON, the Chipolopolo played a star studded Brazil. The famous encounter between the Copper Bullets and five-time FIFA World Cup winners saw the Southern African giants fall 2-0. Selecao outfit was stacked with stars like Neymar Jr., Oscar, Dani Alves, David Luiz and Ramires.
The Copper Bullets have lost their last five matches against non-African opponents, scoring just six goals and conceding 15. Their last win was a 5-0 thrashing of India in Goa, where a 17 year old Bruce Musakanya scored a hat-trick under the stewardship of Hervé Renard in 2011.
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