The Chipolopolo will be making their 19th appearance at the 35th edition of the tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the North African nation. They qualified for the AFCON after topping their qualification group.
Zambia finished top of Group G with 13 points, qualifying alongside African champions Ivory Coast, who came second with 12 points. Zambia’s qualification marked the first time in nine years they had achieved back-to-back AFCON qualification.
In Morocco, Zambia will be looking to emulate their best run from 2012 when they went on to lift the title. Zambia have had six podium finishes from their previous 18 appearances. Runners up twice in 1974 and 1994, three-time bronze medallists in 1982, 1990 and 1994 and champions in 2012.
Zambia should not be expected to win AFCON
Zambia have been pooled in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Comoros, and Mali. According to the 43-year-old Katongo, who amassed over 100 caps between 2003 and 2016 for Zambia before retiring, the nation should not put too much pressure on the AFCON-bound squad.
"I just wish them good luck. I think we are from somewhere where we are booted out every time in the first round. So it is a learning phase," Katongo told FAZ Media.
"Every time you (get) booted out, it is a learning phase. We can't complain about that one.
"We can't push these guys to go and win the Africa Cup. I have been there. I think to win the Africa Cup, we need more experience, more participation in the AFCON."
Katongo added: "So the more you qualify, the more you are likely to compete to go to the next stage. But if you are not qualifying for the Africa Cup, that's a disaster because you'll be behind.
"So qualifying, thumbs up, but now it's time to work on the ground. That's the most important thing."
Revisiting Zambia’s success in 2012 when they defeated Ivory Coast 8-7 on penalties to lift the AFCON, Katongo said they had to endure early eliminations in 2006, 2008 and 2010 before achieving the success.
"It is a continuous process to win the Africa Cup. When we won the Africa Cup, we were booted out in 2006, 2008 and 2010, and then we won in 2012," explained Katongo.
"So you see the consistency of qualifying regularly. So if you can, the best way is to qualify which is the best medicine that we can compete with."
Zambia, who will be under coach Moses Sichone, will kick off their campaign against Mali on December 22nd at Stade Mohammed V, before taking on Comoros at the same venue on December 26th. Their final group fixture will be against Morocco at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on December 29th.
Zambia's full squad for AFCON 2025:
Goalkeepers: Charles Kalumba (Red Arrows), Mangani Banda (Kabwe Warriors), Toaster Nsabata (Sekhukhune, SA), Francis Mwansa (Zanaco).
Defenders: Kabaso Chongo, Gift Mphande (both Zesco United), Owen Mwamba (Mufulira Wanderers), Lubambo Musonda (Magdeburg, Germany), Frankie Musonda (Bahrain FC), Obinno Chisala (El Merreikh-Sudan), David Hamansenya (Leganes, Spain), Benson Sakala (Bohemians, Czech Republic), Miguel Chaiwa (Hibernian, Scotland), Mathews Banda (Nkana), Killian Kanguluma (Kabwe Warriors), Chanda Chileshe (FC Muza)
Midfielders: Wilson Chisala (Zanaco), Gift Siame (Leganese, Spain), Hunphrey Bwembya (Kabwe Warriors), Pascal Phiri, David Simukonda (both Zesco United), Given Kalusa, Rickson Ng’ambi, Solomon Mpasela, Kelvin Mwanza (all FC Muza)
Forwards: Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Joseph Sabobo Banda (Hapoel Beer Sheva, Israel), Kennedy Musonda (Hapoel Ramat, Israel), Albert Kangwanda (Red Arrows), Jack Lahne (Lustenau, Austria), Elia Mandanji (Zanaco), Andrew Phiri (Singida Black Stars, Tanzania)
