Zambia Under-17 Handball Team’s Ivory Coast Trip in Doubt Over K409,800 Airfare

Zambia’s Under-17 Boys Handball National Team risks missing the Africa Cup of Nations and International Handball Federation Continental Championships in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, due to a lack of funds for air tickets.

The team is scheduled to leave Zambia on September 13, 2026, but the Handball Association of Zambia says it remains uncertain whether the delegation will travel because it has not secured K409,800 needed for air tickets for 17 players and coaches.

The Association says it has already secured accommodation and meals for the team during its stay in Ivory Coast, leaving airfare as the major outstanding requirement.

Zambia qualified for the continental competitions after emerging victorious at the Southern Africa Region IHF Trophy Games, held in Lusaka from April 28 to May 3, 2026.

Following that victory, the team presented its gold medals to Government through the National Sports Council of Zambia, with the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Arts receiving them on behalf of Government.

However, Association Secretary General Josab Changa says despite engaging Government for assistance with air tickets, the Association remains uncertain about the way forward with only a day remaining before the team's scheduled departure.

The Association is now appealing to companies, organisations and other well-wishers to help raise the money needed to get the young players to Ivory Coast.

The situation raises the prospect of Zambia's continental champions qualifying on merit but potentially being unable to compete at the next stage because of the cost of getting there.

Meanwhile, the Association says both the Under-17 Boys and Senior Women's national teams have shown a positive attitude during preparations for their respective international competitions.