Zambia has officially withdrawn its Under 18 and Under 20 boys’ teams from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Handball Championship, scheduled to take place in Tunisia from September 7th to 27th, 2024. The decision was announced by Josab Changa, Secretary General of the Handball Association of Zambia (HAZ), citing significant financial challenges as the primary reason for the withdrawal.
Both teams had earned their spots in the tournament after winning gold at the Zone 6 IHF Trophy Games in Harare, Zimbabwe, held from May 5th to 12th, 2024. The Under 18 team also qualified for the IHF Continental Championship, which will be held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from November 2nd to 6th, 2024.
Despite their impressive performances, HAZ has been forced to make the difficult decision to withdraw due to logistical and financial constraints. The association is still facing outstanding financial obligations from previous international competitions, which have made it impossible to support the teams’ participation in the AFCON event.
To avoid incurring a €50,000 fine, which is mandated by the Confederation of African Handball (CAHB) for withdrawals made after the tournament draws, HAZ opted for an early withdrawal. However, they have confirmed that the Under 18 team will still compete in the IHF Continental Championship in Ethiopia later this year, with preparations already underway through weekly campings.
This development has sparked disappointment among handball enthusiasts in Zambia, especially given the promising performances of both teams earlier this year. The focus now shifts to ensuring the Under 18 team’s successful participation in the upcoming continental championship in Ethiopia.