Avram Grant Quits as Zambia Coach Ahead of Africa Cup of Nations

Zambia parts ways with Coach Avram Grant before Cup of Nations

Avram Grant leaves Zambia as coach just two months before the Africa Cup of Nations finals after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign.

“I hope that one day this great country qualifies for a World Cup for the first time in its long football history...” 

Avram Grant has parted ways with Zambia ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations finals. The 70-year-old Israeli manager stepped down following the team's underwhelming World Cup qualifying campaign. Grant, who previously managed top clubs like Chelsea and West Ham, announced his departure on social media.

The Football Association of Zambia confirmed the news, stating that Grant's exit was a mutual decision aimed at charting a new direction for the national team, affectionately known as the Chipolopolo.

Zambia 🇿🇲 have parted ways with Avram Grant 53 days to the start of the AFCON. A series of disappointing results at CHAN in East Africa and a mediocre run in the World Cup qualifiers led to this decision.

The AFCON 2012 champions are in Group A with hosts Morocco, Mali and… pic.twitter.com/gL7Y5fPFzj

— Usher Komugisha (@UsherKomugisha) October 29, 2025

The decision comes after a disappointing World Cup qualifying campaign, where Zambia finished fourth in their group, losing five of their eight matches. Despite qualifying for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Grant's exit paves the way for new leadership ahead of the tournament.

“I hope that one day this great country qualifies for a World Cup for the first time in its long football history,” Grant wrote on social media.

Zambia's coaching change follows similar moves by other nations ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Equatorial Guinea recently sacked and then reinstated coach Juan Micha after a player revolt, while Zimbabwe dismissed German coach Michael Nees due to a winless World Cup qualifying campaign.