Written by Aaron Mubanga JnrZambia sports betting writer
Published 29 October 2026
Zambia’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Burundi has been moved to National Heroes Stadium in Lusaka after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) granted the venue temporary approval to host international matches in November.
The Chipolopolo are scheduled to face Burundi on 13 November in a crucial Group I encounter, with the change of venue following CAF’s temporary Category 3 approval announced on 28 October.
The match was initially scheduled to take place at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, but the latest development means Zambia will have the opportunity to play in front of their home supporters in the capital.
Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) General Secretary Charles Chakatazya confirmed the decision, saying the approval followed a technical assessment mission conducted at National Heroes Stadium between 19 and 22 October.
“We are pleased that CAF has granted National Heroes Stadium temporary Category 3 approval for November. The assessment confirms that the stadium meets the key requirements for hosting CAF/FIFA matches,” Chakatazya said.
The relocation comes at an important stage of Zambia’s qualification campaign, with the Chipolopolo looking to strengthen their position in a tightly contested Group I.
Group I standings
According to CAF’s latest group-by-group update following the September qualifiers, Algeria lead the standings with four points, while Zambia and Togo are level on three points. Burundi sit bottom with one point after the opening two matchdays.
| Position | Team | Played | GD | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Algeria | 2 | +2 | 4 |
| 2 | Zambia | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| 3 | Togo | 2 | -1 | 3 |
| 4 | Burundi | 2 | -1 | 1 |
Zambia opened their campaign with a 3-1 defeat away to Algeria before responding with a 2-0 victory over Togo in Ndola, with Albert Kangwanda and Eliya Mandanji scoring.
Burundi, meanwhile, lost 1-0 to Togo before drawing 2-2 with Algeria after letting slip a two-goal lead.
The November fixture therefore presents an opportunity for the Chipolopolo to collect three points and improve their position in the race for a place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Under the qualification format, the top two teams in Group I qualify directly for the tournament, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Under-23 qualifier also moved
Chakatazya also confirmed that Zambia’s Under-23 Olympic qualifier against Burkina Faso, scheduled for 15 November, has been moved to National Heroes Stadium.
He noted that CAF had identified outstanding issues that must be addressed before a further assessment.
