FAZ Parts Ways with Avram Grant Ahead of AFCON 2025

The Football Association of Zambia has parted ways with head coach Avram Grant just two months before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

In an official statement released on Wednesday, October 29, 2025, FAZ confirmed:

"The Football Association of Zambia has agreed to mutually separate with Zambia Senior Men's National Team coach Avram Grant. The two parties agreed to mutually separate with FAZ wishing Mr Grant the best of luck in his future endeavours," said FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande.

FAZ head of media and communications Nkweto Tembwe confirmed the separation in a statement to members and stakeholders.

Shepande added that further details would be communicated later, noting, “For now, we can only thank Mr. Grant for his contribution to the Zambian game.”

Grant, an Israeli national and former manager, who was appointed on December 22, 2022, on a two-year deal, guided the Chipolopolo to two consecutive AFCON qualifications for the 2024 and 2025/26 editions.

Grant said: "I am proud to leave the team in a much better position than when I inherited it."

Pressure had been mounting on the former Chelsea and West Ham United coach following poor results in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where Zambia only managed two wins on the pitch while another came via a boardroom decision.

The announcement comes three weeks after government halted funding to Chipolopolo pending FAZ's response on improving results.

Zambia are drawn in Group A for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, alongside the host nation, Mali, and Comoros. FAZ is expected to announce Grant's replacement soon.