Chipolopolo Captain Lubambo Musonda: “We Need to Work Hard for a Great AFCON 2025”

Zambia has been drawn into what many are calling a “group of death” for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, but Chipolopolo captain Lubambo Musonda believes the draw is fair and that his team must work hard to achieve success.

The 2012 AFCON champions will compete in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros, with the tournament scheduled to take place from 25 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco.

Zambia’s AFCON 2025 Group Stage Fixtures:

1. 22 December: Zambia vs Mali

2. 26 December: Zambia vs Comoros

3. 29 December: Zambia vs Morocco

After losing 1-0 to the Atlas Lions in the 2023 AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire, Zambia will now play Morocco in the group stages for the second time in a row. Furthermore, Morocco just defeated the other team 2-1 in Agadir in a FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier.

Lubambo Musonda’s Optimism

Speaking on Zambia’s chances, Chipolopolo captain Musonda expressed confidence while acknowledging the tough challenge ahead.

“I think it is a fair draw. Morocco, Mali, Zambia, and Comoros in the same group. We have recently played against two of these teams, so it is a good thing for us. We need to work, we need to prepare, and we are looking forward to a great AFCON 2025.”

At 29 years old, the FC Magdeburg winger will be playing in his fourth AFCON. Before making his senior tournament debut in Côte d’Ivoire, he had previously represented Zambia at youth level in the CAF U-20 AFCON 2015 and CAF U-23 AFCON 2015.

Zambia Looking to Bounce Back

Zambia endured a disappointing AFCON 2023 campaign, failing to progress beyond the group stages. With a fresh opportunity in Morocco, the Chipolopolo will be aiming for a stronger showing and a deep tournament run.

Zambia must play at their highest level to guarantee a spot in the knockout stages against Morocco, the hosts and favorites, Comoros, a growing force in African football, and Mali, a West African powerhouse.