ZAMBIA has suffered a big setback just days before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Their head coach, Moses Sichone, is not allowed to lead the national team, the Chipolopolo, at the tournament.
Image / africasoccer
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations is set to take place from December 21 to January 18, 2026, with 24 teams competing for the prize in Morocco.
Zambia's preparations for the tournament have hit a major roadblock because coach Moses Sichone doesn't have the proper license to lead the team.
Sichone is not eligible to coach the national team because of new rules set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
Even though he is one of the best coaches in the country, he doesn't meet the latest CAF requirements. The new rules state that all coaches for CAF national team events and club competitions must have either a CAF A or a Pro licence.
Sichone holds a UEFA A coaching licence, but that's not enough according to the new CAF rules.
He was appointed as Zambia's coach in November 2025, replacing Avram Grant, who previously coached at Chelsea and in Israel. Now, the Zambia Football Federation is working quickly to find a qualified coach for the tournament, which starts just three days from now.
The Chipolopolo have been placed in Group A, where they will face Morocco, the host nation, Comoros, and Mali.
Their first match is against Mali on December 22, 2025, and it's going to be a tough game.