By: Kwame Bediako
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has terminated the contract of national team head coach Avram Grant, bringing to an end the Israeli tactician’s two-year spell in charge of the Chipolopolo. FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande announced the amicable parting in a statement issued on Tuesday October 29, 2025, describing the move as a necessary step to chart a new direction for Zambia’s national side.
Avram Grant took the helm on December 22, 2022, guiding Zambia to consecutive AFCON qualifications for the first time since their 2012 glory days. He steered the Chipolopolo to the 2023 Ivory Coast tournament and the 2025 Morocco edition, signaling a return to regular continental presence after years of missed opportunities.
Despite the qualification milestones, voices inside Zambian football questioned the team’s overall progress under Grant.persistent inconsistencies in international friendlies and an early exit from the 2023 AFCON fueled debate about whether the project was moving in the right direction, even as results in some competitive matches showed glimpses of improvement.
FAZ’s leadership shake came after a troubling stretch in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers and a disappointing CHAN campaign, prompting a strategic refresh. With Zambia placed in Group A of the Morocco 2025 AFCON alongside hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros, the incoming coach faces a formidable early challenge.
