Zambia Drawn in Tough Group Alongside Morocco and DR Congo for 2025 CHAN

The official draws for the 2025 African Nations Championship (CHAN) have been concluded, setting the stage for an exciting tournament to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The Copper Bullets of Zambia have been placed in a challenging Group A, alongside continental powerhouses Morocco and DR Congo, as well as hosts Kenya and Angola.

The draw, which took place on Tuesday, has created intriguing pathways for the participating nations in the tournament exclusively for players competing in their respective national leagues. Zambia’s placement in Group A immediately stands out as one of the most competitive pools, promising high-octane clashes from the group stages.

Group A Breakdown:

• Kenya (Hosts): Playing on home soil will undoubtedly provide a significant advantage for the Harambee Stars, who will be eager to make a strong impression in front of their fans.
• Morocco: The two-time CHAN champions, Morocco, will enter the tournament as one of the teams to beat. Their consistent success in recent editions makes them a formidable opponent.
• Angola: A regular participant in the CHAN tournament, Angola possesses a blend of experienced campaigners and emerging talents, capable of causing upsets.
• DR Congo: Another heavyweight in African football, DR Congo boasts a strong pedigree in the CHAN competition, having lifted the trophy on two occasions. Their inclusion in Group A sets up a mouthwatering clash of titans.
• Zambia: The Copper Bullets will need to be at their absolute best to navigate this challenging group. With a history of strong performances in the CHAN especially in the inaugural tournament, Zambia will be aiming to overcome their formidable opponents and secure a place in the knockout stages.

Other Group Dynamics:

Hosts Tanzania find themselves in Group B alongside Madagascar, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and Central Africa. Group C sees fellow co-hosts Uganda pitted against Niger, Guinea, Algeria, and South Africa in another potentially tight pool. Meanwhile, Group D comprises defending Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan, and Nigeria.

The Road Ahead for Zambia:

Chipolopolo’s journey in the 2025 CHAN will be a stern test of the local-based talent. Matches against the reigning champions Morocco and the always competitive DR Congo will be particularly crucial in determining their fate in the tournament. The clashes against East African hosts Kenya and fellow Southern African nation Angola will also be vital in the quest for qualification to the knockout rounds.

Coach Wedson Nyirenda and the Zambian team will need to strategize meticulously and ensure peak performance from their players throughout the group stage. The passionate Zambian fans will be hoping their team can rise to the occasion and navigate this tough group to make a significant impact on the tournament co-hosted by their neighbours.