ZIFA boss Phillip Chiyangwa has been left exposed by Zambia over his reasons for cancelling the friendly match with Zambia. The match was meant to celebrate President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s rise to power.

The match was later announced as cancelled as instructed by the international authority, FIFA.

But ZIFA issued a statement saying the match was dropped due to the non-availability of National Sports Stadium. The local body said the stadium was booked for a wedding on the same date.

But contrary to that statement, Zambia’s FAZ has reported that the decision was made after ZIFA was informed by FIFA that the game was not going to be accorded international friendly status.  FAZ’s announcement reads in full:

The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to inform members of the general public and the football family that the planned friendly match between Zambia and Zimbabwe has been cancelled.

This was after the host nation through the Zimbabwe Football Association (ZFA) told FAZ that they were unable to host the match after FIFA informed them that the match was not going to be accorded international friendly status.

However, the Football Association of Zambia will continue with preparations for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with the team in the second week of camping in Lusaka.

Zambia is in the middle of preparations for the CHAN that will be held in Morocco from January 12 to February 4.
The Chipolopolo is in Group B alongside Ivory Coast, Namibia and Uganda.

FAZ will in due course announce the itinerary of the team before finally departing for Morocco.

For and on behalf of:

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION OF ZAMBIA

Desmond Katongo
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER