CAF flushes out unlicensed Zambia coach Moses Sichone ahead of AFCON 2025 tournament

Zambia has been dealt with a huge blow few days to commencement of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, with head coach Moses Sichone being ineligible to lead the Chipolopolo at the continental showpiece.

The 35^th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations has been scheduled to run from December 21 through to January 18, 2026, with 24 countries set to battle it out for the covetous trophy in the North African nation.

But Zambia’s preparation for the tournament has suffered a major setback, as coach Moses Sichone lack the required license to lead the Chipolopolo at the continental showpiece.

Sichone is deemed ineligible to lead the Chipolopolo under the newly introduced Confederation of African Football (CAF) coaching requirements despite being one of the most highly qualified coaches in the country.

The 48-year-old, who holds a UEFA A coaching licence falls short of the latest CAF regulations which guide that all coaches involved in CAF national team competitions and CAF club tournaments must possess either a CAF A or a Pro licence.

Sichone was appointed Zambia coach in November 2025, replacing former Chelsea tactician and Israeli gaffer Avram Grant. The Zambia Football Federation are now raising against time to settle on a qualified tactician for the tournament, which kick start three days’ time.

The former AFCON champions has been paired in Group A against host nation, Morocco, Comoros and Mali at the tournament. The Chipolopolo will open their account against Mali in a high-stake clash on December 22, 2025.