Zambia’s journey in the Thailand 2025 Intercontinental Futsal Championship came to a dramatic end following a narrow 5-4 loss to Saudi Arabia in their Group B clash at the Nonthaburi Province Stadium in Bangkok. The defeat marked Zambia’s second consecutive loss in the group stage, effectively ending their hopes of progressing to the knockout rounds.
Needing a win to stay in contention after a 4-0 defeat to Belarus in their opening fixture, the Zambian National Futsal Team showed commendable fighting spirit and determination under the leadership of Italian coach Andrea Cristoforetti. The team got off to a promising start and took an early lead thanks to a composed finish from CSS Petauke FC winger Royd Chisahala, igniting hopes of a revival in form.
However, the Saudi Arabian side responded with tactical precision and capitalized on defensive lapses to overturn the deficit. Despite Zambia managing to find the back of the net on multiple occasions, including a well-executed goal that briefly leveled the scores in the second half, Saudi Arabia maintained their composure and pulled ahead in the dying minutes to seal a thrilling 5-4 win.
The Zambian side, featuring a blend of domestic league talent and emerging youth players, displayed moments of brilliance but struggled with consistency and defensive organization. Coach Cristoforetti praised his squad’s effort and attacking intent but acknowledged the challenges of competing at the highest level of international futsal.
This exit from the championship offers Zambia key lessons in preparation, tactical discipline, and match management—essential elements as the country looks to build a stronger foundation in futsal ahead of future international competitions.
While the result was not what the team and fans had hoped for, Zambia’s performance showed potential and heart, laying the groundwork for future development in the fast-growing sport. As the tournament continues in Bangkok, Zambia will reflect on their campaign and turn their attention to strengthening their domestic league and investing in youth development to ensure a more competitive return on the global stage.