Chipolopolo to earn Over K11 Million Despite Early AfCON Exit

CHIPOLOPOLO may have exited the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) early, but the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) will still earn US$500,000, equivalent to over K11 million at the current exchange rate.

Zambia’s campaign came to an end on Monday night after a 3–0 defeat to hosts Morocco, a result that ruled the team out of the competition.

The loss left Chipolopolo bottom of Group A with two points, five adrift of group winners Morocco.

Despite missing out on the US$10 million top prize reserved for the tournament winners, FAZ will receive a financial boost at a time when Football House is grappling with financial challenges.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently announced increased prize money for teams participating at AfCON, with Zambia set to benefit US$500,000 following their group-stage exit.

Under the revised prize structure, the tournament winners will receive US$10 million, while the losing finalists will pocket US$4 million.

This marks a significant increase from the 2023 edition, where champions Côte d’Ivoire received US$7 million, while runners-up Nigeria earned US$4 million.

CAF has further allocated US$2.5 million to each semi-finalist, US$1.3 million to quarter-finalists, and US$800,000 to teams eliminated in the round of 16.

The best third-placed team at the group stage will earn US$700,000, while teams exiting the tournament at the group stage will each receive US$500,000.

(Mwebantu, Tuesday, 30th December, 2025)