Former head coach of the Black Stars, Avram Grant, has guided the Zambia national team to qualify for the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Zambia's ‘Chipolopolo’ secured their qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a stunning 1-0 victory over defending champions Ivory Coast on their home grounds.

Kennedy Musonda scored the only goal of the match in the 43rd minute, and despite Ivory Coast’s efforts to fight back, they were unable to find an equalizer.

With five matches played, Zambia now lead Group F with 10 points, while Ivory Coast follows in second place with 9 points.

Sierra Leone and Chad also sit in third and fourth with 5 and 3 points, respectively.

It would be recalled that Avram Grant was the head coach of the Black Stars during the 2015 AFCON, where Ghana came close to clinching the trophy.

The Black Stars drew 0-0 with Ivory Coast in the final but lost in a penalty shootout.

Despite their strong showing, Grant did not continue with the team and eventually departed.

Meanwhile, the Black Stars, under coach Otto Addo, have failed to qualify for the 2025 AFCON.

After a 1-1 draw with Angola, Ghana now sit at the bottom of Group F with just 3 points from 5 matches, two losses and three draws.

Ghana’s final match, against Niger on November 18, 2025, will be a mere formality, as their hopes of qualification have already been dashed.

Angola, who have already qualified, lead the group with 13 points, while Sudan and Niger follow with 7 and 4 points, respectively.

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