The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) has reinforced the Chipolopolo technical setup for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by appointing Mexican football manager Sergio Fentanes Orozco as Technical Analyst and Advisor for the duration of the tournament in Morocco.
FAZ confirmed that the appointment is specific to the AFCON campaign and is designed to provide focused technical input to the national team’s bench as Zambia navigate the continental competition. The tournament runs from December 19, 2025 to January 18, 2026.
FAZ General Secretary Machacha Shepande said the decision reflects the association’s desire to enhance match preparation and in-game analysis during a high-stakes competition.
He disclosed that Fentanes has already integrated into the team setup, having joined the squad upon their arrival in Casablanca last week.
“I wish to confirm that, in our efforts to strengthen the Chipolopolo technical setup at the ongoing AFCON, we have engaged Sergio Fentanes Orozco as Technical Analyst/Advisor for the tournament in Morocco,” Shepande said.
He stressed that the short-term engagement should not be interpreted as a shift away from FAZ’s long-standing commitment to developing and empowering local coaches.
Instead, the move is intended to support the existing technical team at a time when detailed opposition scouting and tactical assessment are essential.
According to Shepande, Fentanes was selected largely because of his familiarity with Zambian football and his previous involvement with national teams.
The Mexican analyst worked with Chipolopolo squads at the 2006 AFCON in Egypt and the 2015 AFCON campaign. He was also part of the technical structure that guided Zambia’s Under-17 side to qualification for the 2015 CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in Niger.
Beyond his experience in Zambia, Fentanes brings additional international exposure, having served in analytical roles with the national teams of Peru and Mexico.
FAZ believes this background will strengthen Zambia’s tactical preparation, opponent analysis and decision-making during matches.
