Zambia, Ex-Chelsea Coach Avram Grant Split

Zambia has terminated its contract with former Chelsea manager Avram Grant following an unsatisfactory 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign, the national football association announced on Wednesday.

The Chipolopolo suffered defeats at home to Tanzania, Morocco, and Niger, ultimately finishing fourth in their group under the guidance of the 70-year-old Israeli.

Grant achieved greater success in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, leading the southern African nation to consecutive appearances in the tournament.

Zambia, Ex-Chelsea Coach Avram Grant Split — Avram Grant. Credit: The Jerusalem Post.

Zambia’s 2024 AFCON journey ended prematurely in the group stage in Ivory Coast, and they will face hosts Morocco, Mali, and Comoros in Group A this December.

In announcing Grant’s departure, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) stated that it was essential to “chart a new way forward for the Chipolopolo.”

In a social media post, Grant expressed his hope that “one day this great country qualifies for a World Cup for the first time in its long football history.”

Grant took the role with Zambia in December 2022 after previously leading Ghana to a runner-up finish in the 2015 AFCON and a fourth-place showing in the subsequent tournament.

After managing four clubs in Israel from 1986, Grant then managed the national team, before being appointed by Chelsea in 2007 and later by West Ham United.

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