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So far, the inspectors have visited Nkoloma Stadium and National Heroes Stadium, before they checked out the Copperbelt on Saturday for further inspections.
A four-member team from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently in Zambia to inspect selected facilities as part of Zambia's proposed bid for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The inspection team, comprising Tariq Ashraf, Mouhsine Aguedach, Antoine Bergue, and Mohammed Sedat, arrived in the country on Friday afternoon and wasted no time in getting down to business.
FAZ acting general secretary Iva Lengwe, along with some secretariat staff and Lusaka Province chairperson Jordan Maliti, joined the inspection party. The Ministry of Youth, Sport, and Arts was represented by Sikota Mwanang'ombe.
So far, the inspectors have visited Nkoloma Stadium and National Heroes Stadium, before they checked out the Copperbelt on Saturday for further inspections.
Zambia is competing with three other nations, namely Morocco, Algeria, and a joint bid by Nigeria and Benin, for the rights to host the tournament.
CAF teams have already visited Nigeria and Benin for inspection. The successful bidder will be announced next month.
"We are optimistic that our facilities will impress the CAF inspection team,” said FAZ acting general secretary Iva Lengwe.
“We are confident that our bid represents a compelling case for Zambia to host the 2025 AFCON," he added.
Despite having participated in the AFCON 17 times and winning it once, Zambia has never hosted the tournament.
In 2017, the country successfully hosted the U20 AFCON, which was won by Beston Chambeshi's Bola Na Lesa-driven squad.
The bid for the 2025 AFCON comes after CAF stripped Guinea of the hosting rights for the tournament due to the country's failure to meet several guarantees.
Zambia's bid is underpinned by the country's excellent track record in hosting international tournaments, and the government's commitment to sports development.
If successful, the bid will be a significant milestone for Zambia's footballing history, as it will mark the first time the country has hosted the prestigious tournament.
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