Zambia

Nickname: Chipolopolo
FIFA Ranking: 68
Coach: Patrick Phiri
Captain:
Nations Cup Appearances: 12 (First in 1974)
Best result: Second place, 1974 and 1994

The Zambian national team endured one of the biggest tragedies in the history of sport; in 1993 when a plane carrying the team crashed off the coast of Gabon. 18 players were killed, along with the coach and several officials. It did not take long for the Zambian team to reorganize itself and perform like it once was.

The Chipolopolos will be making their 13th appearance by confirming themselves as the most consistent team in Southern Africa . Not many have tipped them to finish first in a group that had 2010 FIFA World Cup hosts, South Africa and Congo.

But the Chipolopolos turned on the flow by stunning the Bafana Bafana 3-1 in the final group meeting. Though the two teams finished on eleven points each, the defending Cosafa Champions went through via head-to-head. Zambia's only defeat in the qualifiers was 0-1 loss at home to South Africa.

Players

Goalkeepers
Kalililo Kakonje (AmaZulu), Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars), Mike Poto (Green Buffaloes)

Defenders
William Chinyama, Clive Hachilensa (both ZESCO United), Hichani Himoonde (Lusaka Dynamos), Chintu Kampamba (Free State Stars), Francis Kasonde (Power Dynamos), Joseph Musonda, Billy Mwanza (both Lamontville Golden Arrows), Kennedy Nketani (ZANACO),

Midfielders
Ian Bakala (Primeiro Agosto), Isaac Chansa (Helsingborgs), Rainford Kalaba (ZESCO United), Felix Katongo (Petro Atletico), Clifford Mulenga (Pretoria University), William Njovu (Lusaka Dynamos)

Forwards
James Chamanga (Moroka Swallows), Christopher Katongo (Brondby), Emmanuel Mayuka (Kabwe Warriors), Jacob Mulenga (Racing Strasbourg), Felix Nsunzu (Konkola Blades), Dube Phiri (Primeiro Agosto).

African Nations Cup Record

1957 to 1968 - Did not enter
1970 - Did not qualify
1972 - Did not qualify
1974 - Second place
1976 - Did not qualify
1978 - Round 1
1980 - Did not qualify
1982 - Third place
1984 - Did not qualify
1986 - Round 1
1988 - Withdrew
1990 - Third place
1992 - Quarterfinals
1994 - Second place
1996 - Third place
1998 - Round 1
2000 - Round 1
2002 - Round 1
2004 - Did not qualify
2006 - Round 1
2008 - Qualified