Zambia separates from ex Chelsea coach Avram Grant

The Zambian national team has ended its association with Avram Grant, the former Chelsea coach, following a lacklustre performance in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, as announced by the football governing body on Wednesday.

Nicknamed the Chipolopolo or Copper Bullets, the team suffered defeats on home soil against Tanzania, Morocco, and Niger, ultimately placing fourth in their group while led by the 70 year old Israeli manager.

Grant achieved greater success during Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, successfully leading the southern African nation to back to back appearances in the competition.

At the 2024 AFCON held in Ivory Coast, Zambia bowed out after the initial group stage, and they are set to compete in Group A against hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros this coming December.

In declaring the end of Grants contract, the Football Association of Zambia stated that this move was essential to establish a fresh direction for the Chipolopolo squad.

On social media, addressing the Zambian team, Grant expressed his wish that one day this remarkable nation might reach the World Cup for the inaugural time in its extensive football tradition.

Grant joined Zambia in December 2022, after having previously steered Ghana to a runners up finish at the 2015 AFCON and a fourth place in the subsequent tournament.

Beginning his coaching journey with four Israeli teams from 1986, followed by the national side, Grant took charge at Chelsea in 2007 and subsequently handled West Ham United.