A Southern African country can win 2025 AFCON, says ex-Zambia captain Christopher Katongo

Former Zambia captain Christopher Katongo is confident that Southern African nations can make a strong impression at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Morocco next month.

Zambia remain the last COSAFA country to lift the continental trophy, having famously defeated Ivory Coast in the 2012 final. Since then, no team from the region has managed to replicate that success, though South Africa came close in the 2023 edition, narrowly losing to Nigeria in the semi-finals.

This year’s tournament will feature a record seven nations from Southern Africa — a milestone Katongo believes underlines the region’s growing strength.

“Southern African teams have improved a lot in recent years. The gap between regions is closing, and every team that qualifies has a chance,” Katongo said in an interview with CAFOnline.

He urged the teams to stay focused and trust their methods.

“If they stay disciplined and believe in their style of play, there’s no reason they can’t go all the way again — just like we did in 2012,” he added.

Zambia continue their AFCON build-up this week with international friendlies against South Africa and Burundi.