Avram Grant of Israel reacts during a quarter-final in the 2015 AFCON when Ghana played Guinea in Malabo February 1, 2015. [REUTERS/Amr Abdallah]
Zambia sack Avram Grant after tough World Cup qualifying run
Football
By
Robert Abong'o
| Oct 31, 2025
Zambia have confirmed the departure of 70-year-old Israeli coach Avram Grant, who led the national team through a difficult 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign.
The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) announced on Wednesday that Grant’s contract had been terminated as the association seeks a new direction for the side.
Under Grant, the Chipolopolo finished fourth in their group, suffering home losses to Tanzania, Morocco, and Niger. The result left the Copper Bullets with a disappointing campaign as they look ahead to another AFCON cycle.
Grant’s tenure had seen more success in AFCON qualifying, with Zambia reaching successive tournaments, including a 2025 AFCON appearance in Morocco, Mali, and the Comoros in Group A.
READ MORE
From Konyagi to onions: How Tanzania unrest puts Sh4.3b Kenya imports at risk
Why Kenya must embrace progressive taxation
Irony of State's borrowing binge amid increased private sector financing
Kenya faces new dirty cash scrutiny as peers exit list
KWS faces backlash over new park ticketing system, fees
Mwalimu Sacco eases access to money for its members
Counterfeiting costs Kenya nearly 9 per cent of GDP, new data shows
Domestic loans now dominate Kenya's Sh12 trillion public debt
Shipowners lobby objects new container cleaning charges at Mombasa port
How Sintmond's bitter fallout with Kengen cost it Sh3bn carbon deal
FAZ stated that parting ways with Grant was a strategic move to “chart a new way forward for the Chipolopolo.” In a reflection on his time with Zambia, Grant posted on social media expressing a wish for the country to one day participate in a World Cup, noting the long football history and the dream that remains.
Grant’s coaching journey spans several notable stops. He took charge of Ghana’s national team in 2015, guiding them to second place at AFCON and fourth in the following edition. His club career includes a long stint in Israeli football, multiple roles with the national team there, and managerial positions at Chelsea (appointed in 2007) and West Ham United in Europe.
Share this story