Overview
Zambia is a member of the Confederation of African Football and plays in the Southern African (COSAFA) zone. The men's national team, known as the Chipolopolo, has played 795 recorded internationals since 1946, winning 359 of them (45.2%).
Zambia have won the Africa Cup of Nations once (2012) and also reached the final in 1974 and 1994.
On current form our Elo rating places Zambia 21st in Africa and 107th in the world.
With about 21.9 million people and its capital in Lusaka, Zambia has produced 340 notable footballers footballers in our database.
Famous Zambian footballers
Patson DakaZambia · Leicester City F.C.
Emmanuel MayukaZambia · b. 1990
C
Christopher KatongoZambia · b. 1982
Godfrey ChitaluZambia · b. 1947
K
Kennedy MweeneZambia · b. 1984
Jacob MulengaZambia · b. 1984
Kalusha BwalyaZambia · b. 1963
L
Lubambo MusondaZambia · b. 1995
Racheal KundananjiZambia · Bay FC
Emmanuel MbolaZambia · b. 1993
Stoppila SunzuZambia · b. 1989
R
Rainford KalabaZambia · b. 1986
Most capped
Top scorers (match database)
- Kalusha Bwalya
- Collins Mbesuma
- Christopher Katongo
- Fashion Sakala
- Godfrey Chitalu
- Patson Daka
- Bernard Chanda
- Dennis Lota
Where Zambian players play
16 active Zambian players are currently at clubs outside Zambia. The most common destinations:
Clubs and leagues in Zambia
Main competitions: Zambia Super League, Zambia Nationa Division One.
- Nkana F.C.founded 1935
- Zanaco F.C.founded 1985
- ZESCO United F.C.founded 1974
- Power Dynamos F.C.founded 1985
- Green Buffaloes F.C.founded 1965
- Mufulira Wanderers F.C.founded 1953
- Red Arrows F.C.
- Lusaka Dynamos F.C.
- Kabwe Warriors F.C.founded 1922
- Nchanga Rangers F.C.founded 1960
Where Zambian footballers are born
6 Zambia internationals were born abroad, most often in United Kingdom (3), DR Congo (1), Zimbabwe (1). See the diaspora →
Stadiums
- New Lusaka StadiumLusaka
- National Heroes StadiumLusaka
- Levy Mwanawasa StadiumNdola
- Independence StadiumLusaka
- Sunset StadiumLusaka
- Konkola StadiumChililabombwe
Strength over time
Year-end Elo rating of Zambia. Elo history →
Frequently asked questions
What is the nickname of the Zambia national team?
Zambia are nicknamed the Chipolopolo.
How many times have Zambia won AFCON?
Zambia have won the Africa Cup of Nations 1 time (2012).
Have Zambia played at the World Cup?
No, Zambia have not qualified for a World Cup finals tournament yet.
Who is the top scorer for Zambia?
In our match database, Kalusha Bwalya leads with 19 goals. Goal data is most complete for tournament matches.
Who is the most famous Zambian footballer?
By international recognition, Patson Daka is the best-known Zambian footballer in our database, followed by Emmanuel Mayuka and Christopher Katongo.
What is the biggest stadium in Zambia?
New Lusaka Stadium is the largest football stadium in Zambia in our records, with a capacity of 70,000.