File photo: Protest against xenophobia

Zambia’s football association has called off its friendly match against South Africa because of the recent xenophobic attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

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The international friendly match was scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 7, in Lusaka,  Zambia.

Due to the xenophobic attacks, the president of Zambia’s football association, Andrew Kamanga on Tuesday, September 3, announced that they have decided to cancel their friendly match that was scheduled for Saturday.

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In a statement released on Tuesday evening, the Football Association of Zambia wrote:

“The Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) regrets to inform members of the public that the international friendly match between Zambia and South Africa that was scheduled for National Heroes Stadium on Saturday, 7 September 2019 has been called off in view of the prevailing security concerns in South Africa.

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FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala has relayed the message to the South African Football Association (SAFA) about the decision.

The South African Football Association is now looking for a replacement for Saturday’s match after Zambia pulled out.