The Zambia National Soccer team will take on the Israeli National Soccer team in an international friendly soccer match on November 17, 2022 in Israel.
Chipolopolo will square off against the “Chosen team” in the Israeli central city of Petah Tikva during the November FIFA international window.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary, Adrian Kashala, confirmed the development in a statement to ZANIS in Lusaka today.
The statement was made available by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala.
“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to inform its members and stakeholders that the Chipolopolo will play an international friendly match with the Israel National Team during the November FIFA window,” said Kashala.
Kashala said Chipolopolo will take on the 76th FIFA ranked team in the world at the Petah Tikva Stadium in Israel.
“We are excited to announce the organization of an international friendly match between Zambia and Israel to be staged on November 17, 2022, during the FIFA window,” said Kashala.
He explained that the game against Israel is part of FAZ’s long term plan to keep the Chipolopolo engaged ahead of competitive assignments.
The FAZ General Secretary has since thanked Israeli agent, Nir Karin, for facilitating the friendly match between that country and Zambia.
Kashala said both teams are expected to field their strongest sides for the FIFA approved friendly game.
He pointed out that football ties between the two countries were strong as seen from the legacy of Zambian players that have plied their trade in the Israeli soccer league.
Kashala named Emmanuel Mayuka, Evans Kangwa, William Njobvu, Lameck Banda, Klings Kangwa, Roger Kola, Francis Kasonde, Fwayo Tembo and Justin Zulu as players that have left a footprint in Israel.
The Israeli side, who are also known as the Blue and Whites, are coached by former Watford player Alon Hazan while former Chelsea and Liverpool player Yossi Benayoun is technical director.
Israel has a core of players from England, Germany, Belgium, Austria, Scotland, Serbia, USA, Holland, Cyprus and Bulgaria among others.
Zambia’s last international friendly match was against the Eagles of Mali in September this year which Chipolopolo lost 1-0 in Mali.
Kashala also disclosed that the FIFA Women’s World Cup bound, Copper Queens will play Columbia in Cali next month.