I am disappointed by the performance of our boys, cries Nkandu

YOUTH, Sports and Arts minister Elvis Nkandu has expressed disappointment over the performance of the Zambia Senior Men’s National Football Team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, saying the Chipolopolo fell far below expectations for a nation that has previously lifted the continental trophy.

Nkandu said the government was not satisfied with Zambia’s showing, particularly as the team failed to register a win and only collected two points from a possible nine in the group stage.

The minister expressed his frustratating stating that players did not show the required character, patriotism, sense of responsibility or will to win that is expected when wearing the national jersey.

“I am disappointed by the performance of our boys. We need to immediately start reorganising ourselves. Our players did not show the required character, patriotism, sense of responsibility, and will to win that is expected when one wears the national jersey,” Nkandu said.

He further noted that the poor showing should be a moment of reflection for the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ), the technical bench and the players, urging all stakeholders to introspect and ask themselves whether these were the results they truly wanted for the country.