The Zambia national soccer team is beloved by fans the world over. This African country has only been active in the international football scene since the late 1940s, a relatively young team by international standards. In spite of their young age, The Copper Bullets from Zambia are a recognized force in African soccer, and their brand-new Zambia football shirts are sure to look great on players and fans at their upcoming matches.

Team Zambia's International Football History

Zambia's national football team was grown from the ashes of North and South Rhodesia under British colonial rule. Football had always been a popular sport in the country ever since European settlers introduced it. After the country gained its independence in 1964, they renamed themselves the KK11, after Kenneth Kaunda, one of the country's founding fathers. Since then, they have simplified their name to simply Zambia, and continue to play under that moniker today.

In the early 1990s, tragedy fell upon the Zambian soccer community. On the way to a 1994 World Cup qualification match, a Zambian air force plane carrying the team crashed between Zambia and Senegal, a total loss for The Copper Bullets. The team lost over 18 members that day, players and staff included, in a catastrophe with effects felt throughout African football.

The Zambia football kit represents the colours of the flag perfectly as they all incorporate the green, orange, red and black colouring. The home shirt for Zambia is typically green with the other colours decorating the jersey where are the Zambia away kit is orange with black accents.

Achieving Glory in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations

The Cup of Nations is the biggest international soccer event in Africa, with teams coming from across the continent to compete for the chance to call themselves the best. The first Cup of Nations in 1957 only played host to three competing nations, but has since grown to a mighty 16. Every fan of The Copper Bullets can recount Zambia's triumphant victory in the 2012 Cup of Nations: one of Zambian soccer's most defining moments.

The final match of that fateful tournament was between Zambia and Ivory Coast and was one of the most dramatic moments in African football. Ivory Coast was a far more experienced team, favoured to win by most in attendance at that year's Cup of Nations. The game came down to a standoff in the form of a penalty shootout, from which Zambia emerged victorious.

The Zambian's first international title was won and dedicated to the teammates they lost in the tragic early '90s air catastrophe, but unfortunately they haven't seen much success since then. 2013 was a quiet year for Zambia, with internal struggles paralyzing the team for much of their season.

Becoming 2019 COSAFA Cup Champions

The CONSAFA is a tournament that is held once a year and organized by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations. The tournament was founded in 1997 shortly after the ban against Republic of South Africa has been lifted. Zambia was part of the tournament from the beginning and has won the trophy five times in:

  • 1997
  • 1998
  • 2006
  • 2013
  • 2019

Their closest competitors for the trophy have been Zimbabwe who has won 6 times and South Africa who have won 4 times. But looking at the history of the tournament, Zambia is the current reigning Champions in the league.

Do You Support the Zambia National Team?

Throughout this post we have had a look across the history of the Zambia national team covering their ups and downs. But now we want to know your thoughts on this national team, let us know if you support them over on our social media pages and share with us your favourite moment in history today. Don’t forget that you can also browse our vast range of national soccer jerseys on our online store – Soccer Box.