The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) wishes to update the nation on the travel arrangements for the Zambia Under-23 Men’s National Team, which is scheduled to face Burkina Faso in Ouagadougou in the second round of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers.

In view of the tight schedule, with the two legs scheduled to be played just four days apart, FAZ decided to engage Government to facilitate chartered air transport for the team to ensure that both fixtures could be fulfilled within the stipulated timeframe.

Government graciously responded to the Association’s request and secured a chartered aircraft, which was scheduled to depart in the early hours of Monday, November 9, 2026.

However, the departure was delayed after the charter company failed to secure the necessary overflight clearances from some countries along the planned route. This unforeseen development affected the scheduled departure despite the arrangements that had been put in place.

FAZ wishes to inform the nation that the team has since boarded the chartered aircraft and is now airborne en route to Burkina Faso. The Association regrets the inconvenience caused by the delay and understands the concerns raised by fans over the team’s travel arrangements.

FAZ further wishes to assure the nation that every effort was made to facilitate the team’s timely departure and that the delay was beyond the Association’s control.

FAZ remains grateful to Government for its intervention and continued support towards the national teams. FAZ will continue to monitor the team’s journey and provide updates on any further developments.