Chipolopolo fall 2-0 to Ivory Coast in AFCON 2025 Group G start

Zambia opened their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualification campaign with a 2-0 loss to reigning champions, Ivory Coast, at Stade de la Paix in Bouake.

In a rematch of the 2012 Afcon final, Chipolopolo showed resilience in defense but ultimately succumbed to two second-half goals.

Ivory Coast dominated the first half, controlling possession while Zambia’s defense, anchored by goalkeeper Tresford Mulenga, held firm and repelled two on-target shots.

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However, Zambia’s attack struggled to respond, and an early injury to Edward Chilufya, replaced by Clatous Chama after 26 minutes, further hampered their chances.

The second half continued with Ivory Coast pressing, and their persistence was rewarded in the 72nd minute when Simon Adingra set up substitute Jean-Philippe Krasso for the opener.

Krasso doubled the lead in the 84th minute, assisted by Benie Traore, sealing the 2-0 victory for the Elephants.

Zambia will aim to bounce back when they host Sierra Leone in their next Group G match on Tuesday, while Ivory Coast will face Chad in Abidjan.

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