Zambia Monitor

Fernandez scores late as Chelsea hold Man City in Premier League 1-1 draw

Maimbolwa Mulikelela — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 05:59:52 +0000

Enzo Fernandez scored a stoppage-time equaliser as Chelsea ended a turbulent week by securing a deserved Premier League point against title-chasing Manchester City.

Chelsea were led by Calum McFarlane, usually the club’s under-21s coach, who took interim charge of the first team following the departure of Enzo Maresca on Thursday.

According to the BBC, McFarlane’s side frustrated City for long periods, showing resilience after falling behind, before Argentine midfielder Fernandez poked in at the third attempt to rescue a draw late on.

Manchester City had appeared on course for victory after Tijjani Reijnders’ first-half strike, but a second successive draw leaves them six points adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

City dominated possession and eventually broke through just before half-time. Reijnders collected a loose ball on the edge of the penalty area, skipped past Benoit Badiashile and drilled a low finish inside the near left post.

Chelsea had earlier survived sustained pressure, with goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen producing a fine recovery save in the 37th minute to tip Erling Haaland’s deflected effort wide. Moments later, the Norwegian striker struck the post as City pressed for an opener.

Chelsea began the second half with renewed intent. Pedro Neto missed a clear chance from eight yards, while substitute Liam Delap, facing his former club, fired straight at Gianluigi Donnarumma.

Fernandez’s late equaliser sparked celebrations among the travelling Chelsea supporters, capping a disciplined performance that earned the visitors a valuable point at the Etihad.

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Reed’s 97th-minute screamer earns Fulham dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool

Maimbolwa Mulikelela — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:24:16 +0000

Harrison Reed’s stunning 97th-minute strike denied Liverpool victory just moments after Cody Gakpo appeared to have won the game, as Fulham held the champions to a dramatic 2-2 Premier League draw.

Gakpo sparked wild celebrations among the travelling supporters when he bundled in Jeremie Frimpong’s cross in the 94th minute, seemingly sealing all three points for Liverpool.

However, substitute Reed responded almost immediately, rifling an unstoppable, swerving effort into the top corner to snatch a point for Fulham.

In a match reported by The Independent, the late drama followed an evenly contested match in which Florian Wirtz had earlier cancelled out Harry Wilson’s first-half opener.

Both goals were awarded following VAR offside checks, with Wirtz’s strike requiring a lengthy review before being confirmed.

Liverpool were dealt a setback before kick-off after Hugo Ekitike was ruled out with a slight hamstring injury, leaving head coach Arne Slot without a recognised striker.

Despite remaining unbeaten in eight matches, Liverpool will rue the dropped points, which could prove costly ahead of Thursday’s trip to league leaders Arsenal.

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Illegal miner dies after jumping into Luanshya dam while fleeing police

Kenneth Lutena — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 19:03:49 +0000

An illegal miner has died in Luanshya after jumping into Luanshya Dam while attempting to evade mine police officers.

Copperbelt Province Police Commanding Officer, Mwala Yuyi, said in a statement on Sunday that the incident occurred on January 4, 2025, at around 10:00 hours.

“A combined team of Zambia Police and the Fire Brigade from Luanshya Municipal Council had conducted a search of the said illegal unknown miner at Luanshya Dam. Later, around 11:45 hours, the body of the illegal miner was retrieved and properly identified as Malenga Malenga, aged 22, as identified by his father, Kumoyo Malenga, aged 50,” Yuyi said.

Yuyi stated that the body was inspected and the only visible injuries were on the lips and eyelids, suspected to have been caused by water species.

“Meanwhile, no foul play is currently suspected. The body of the deceased has since been deposited at St Anne’s Tontozo Funeral Parlour in Luanshya, awaiting postmortem and burial.”

Police have opened an inquiry file, and investigations are ongoing.

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Diaz strike against Tanzania sends Morocco into AFCON 2025 quarter-finals

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 18:43:32 +0000

Morocco secured a place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging Tanzania 1–0 in a tightly contested Round of 16 encounter in Rabat on Sunday.

Brahim Diaz proved the difference with a decisive second-half goal as the Atlas Lions overcame stubborn resistance from a disciplined Tanzanian side determined to prolong their fairytale run at the tournament, according to Cafonline.

The hosts dominated possession from the outset, with Achraf Hakimi captaining Morocco for the first time at this year’s finals, but clear-cut chances were limited by Tanzania’s compact defensive shape.

Despite sustained pressure, Morocco struggled to break through a well-drilled back line in the opening half.

Morocco thought they had taken the lead in the 24th minute when Ismail Saibari tapped in from close range, only for the goal to be chalked off following a VAR review for offside, leaving the score level at the interval.

Walid Regragui’s men returned with renewed intensity after the break.

Diaz was immediately influential, while Bilal El Khannouss went close early in the second half as Morocco increased the tempo.

Tanzania nearly shocked the home crowd in the 56th minute when Feisal Toto found space in the box but fired over the bar, missing a golden opportunity against the run of play.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 63rd minute when Diaz showcased his quality, cutting inside and finishing from a tight angle to send the Prince Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex into raptures.

It was his fourth goal of the tournament, moving him clear at the top of the scorers’ chart.

Morocco continued to press for a second goal but were unable to extend their advantage. Tanzania remained competitive until the final whistle, yet the Atlas Lions held firm to seal a hard-fought victory.

The win sees Morocco advance to the quarter-finals, where they will face the winner of the Round of 16 clash between South Africa and Cameroon at the Stade Al Madina in Rabat.

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Premiership: Leeds, Man Utd settle for draw in scrappy Elland road contest

Maimbolwa Mulikelela — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:37:02 +0000

Leeds United and Manchester United shared the points after a 1–1 draw in a hard-fought and often scrappy Premier League encounter at Elland Road.

Leeds will feel they missed an opportunity to claim all three points after creating several promising situations late in the game but repeatedly failing to make the right decision in the final third. In the closing minutes, Nmecha, Piroe, Calvert-Lewin and Gnonto all had chances to pick out runners but chose the wrong pass or hesitated, allowing United to escape.

Manchester United, who levelled earlier through Cunha, looked the more dangerous side after the equaliser.

According to the Telegraph, Cunha was the standout performer, consistently troubling Leeds whenever he received the ball in advanced areas and coming close to winning it when his curling effort clipped the outside of the post from 20 yards.

Leeds had moments of pressure, particularly from set-pieces, with Piroe seeing a late effort blocked amid head-tennis in the box, while another left-footed shot from the edge of the area narrowly cleared the bar.

However, their attacking rhythm faded as the game wore on.
United had chances of their own to snatch victory.

The closing stages descended into a physical, broken contest, with United content to manage possession and Leeds struggling to sustain their press.

In the end, the draw felt a fair reflection of a match short on quality but high on intensity. Leeds will rue missed opportunities, while United will be satisfied to leave with a point that leaves them 18 points clear of the relegation zone.

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Hichilema govt restates position on Archbishop Banda, insists matter is between state and cleric; warns troublemakers

Maimbolwa Mulikelela — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 15:09:28 +0000

The government has warned against attempts to politicise the summoning of Lusaka Archbishop Alick Banda by the Drug Enforcement Commission (DEC), saying the matter is strictly between law enforcement and the individual concerned.

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Minister of Home Affairs and Internal Security, Jack Mwiimbu, said the Archbishop has been summoned to appear before the DEC on Monday, January 5, 2026, in his personal capacity and not as a representative of the Catholic Church.

“This matter has nothing to do with the Catholic Church. It is a matter between the Drug Enforcement Commission and Archbishop, Alick Banda, as an individual,” Mwiimbu said, emphasising that no one is above the law.

He noted that the Constitution obliged every citizen to cooperate with lawful investigations. “Under Article 43(1)(f), every Zambian is required to cooperate with law enforcement agencies. That is a constitutional requirement,” he said.

Mwiimbu warned that calls by political actors and members of the public to gather at DEC offices would be unlawful.

“Law and order will prevail.
The Public Order Act is still in force, and anyone wishing to engage in public processions must notify the police,” he said, adding: “I call upon all law-abiding citizens not to participate in illegal gatherings.”

The minister recalled that President Hakainde Hichilema, while in opposition, appeared before police more than 15 times without mobilising supporters, noting that law enforcement strictly enforced regulations at the time.

“The police were firm. They never allowed anyone to appear in support. That was the order of the day,” Mwiimbu said.

He said Archbishop Banda’s appearance before the DEC would follow lawful procedures, with the Commission determining who may accompany him, including legal representatives and, if permitted, bishops.

Mwiimbu said political processions or mass mobilisation would not be allowed.

“This issue is being politicised, and that is not acceptable. The Archbishop is a religious leader. He is not a political player,” Mwiimbu said, rejecting claims that the government was targeting the Church.

He reassured the public that religious activities, including prayers, would not be interfered with.

“No one will interfere with prayers. That right is guaranteed,” Mwiimbu said, adding that security agencies would provide protection to ensure public safety while due process is followed.

The minister confirmed that government had received a letter from the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops seeking dialogue and said President Hichilema was open to engagement.

“As the President has stated, dialogue is the only way forward. Government looks forward to engaging the Church on issues of national interest,” Mwiimbu said.

“We are one Zambia, one nation. Let us allow the law to take its course in a calm and orderly manner,” he said.

A consortium of 10 civil society organisations has defended the Drug Enforcement Commission’s (DEC) decision to summon the Archbishop of Lusaka over a motor vehicle allegedly linked to the Zambia Revenue Authority (ZRA), stating that religious office does not place any individual above the law.

Addressing a press briefing held at Mika Hotel in Lusaka on Sunday, Consortium Chairperson, Isaac Mwanza, said the investigation should not be framed as an attack on the Catholic Church or an attempt to silence its prophetic voice, as suggested by the Zambia Conference of Catholic Bishops (ZCCB).

Mwanza said while expressions of solidarity by the Church were understandable, they must not be interpreted as efforts to interfere with a lawful investigative process.

He said the law addresses conduct, not status, title, or ecclesiastical authority, and that no individual is exempt from accountability under the rule of law.

The consortium said legitimate questions had arisen following disclosures made in court proceedings linked to the former ZRA Commissioner General, where it was alleged that the motor vehicle was initially intended for a ZRA employee under a purchase arrangement but later ended up in the possession of the Archbishop.

Mwanza said issues requiring clarification included how the vehicle changed ownership, who facilitated its registration, what documentation was used, and whether lawyers or other professionals were involved in the transaction.

“These are questions of accountability, not persecution,” he said, adding that answering them was consistent with transparency and could help establish whether wrongdoing occurred.

The consortium said both Zambian law and Catholic canon law require clergy to uphold legal and ethical standards, noting that canon law treats the misappropriation or improper handling of gifts as a serious offence.

Mwanza cited a recent case in which Archbishop Alick Banda suspended a Catholic priest following the death of a girl at a priest’s residence, a process that later resulted in the priest being cleared, as an example of respect for due process within the Church.

He emphasised that being summoned for questioning does not imply guilt, but is a lawful step in establishing facts, adding that the Constitution guarantees the presumption of innocence and equal application of the law.

Mwanza said the only constitutionally recognised immunity from prosecution applies to the sitting President, and that clergy, like all citizens, are subject to investigation where questions arise.

He added that the Constitution obliges all persons to cooperate with lawful investigations by state institutions, including the DEC, while also protecting individuals from abuse of process.

The consortium urged the public to remain calm and avoid speculation as the matter unfolds, while encouraging the DEC to communicate more clearly within the limits of the law to prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary tension.

It also called on the ZCCB to complement state investigations with internal canonical processes provided for under Church law, noting that accountability mechanisms already exist within the Catholic Church for matters involving bishops.

Mwanza said the matter should not be interpreted as a sign of strained relations between the Church and the State, adding that lawful engagement between religious leaders and state institutions should strengthen public confidence in justice and accountability.

He said the moral authority of the Church is best preserved through patience, transparency and respect for due process, rather than public pressure or institutional mobilisation.

The consortium said that faith and the rule of law are complementary pillars of a just society, and that allowing investigations to proceed fairly and independently would reinforce public trust in both civic and religious institutions.

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Heritage sites to take centre stage in tourism drive —NHCC

AUGUSTINE SICHULA — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:25:59 +0000

The National Heritage Conservation Commission (NHCC) says it will intensify efforts to package heritage sites into compelling tourism products through improved site management, interpretation, documentation and storytelling.

NHCC Executive Director, Kagosi Mwamulowe, said the initiative will involve strengthening partnerships with the Ministry of Tourism, tourism agencies, local authorities, traditional leaders and the private sector.

Mwamulowe said this in a statement issued in Lusaka on Sunday, welcoming the announcement of the 2026 tourism theme by Ministry of Tourism Permanent Secretary, Evans Muhanga.

He said the theme, “Unblinking Focus on Delivery,” under the slogan “Commit. Execute. Deliver,” was timely, forward-looking and closely aligned with Zambia’s broader national development and tourism aspirations.

“The 2026 tourism theme speaks directly to the soul of our nation’s heritage. It challenges us, as custodians of Zambia’s tangible and intangible heritage, to reposition heritage sites not merely as preserved relics of the past, but as living assets that contribute meaningfully to tourism growth, community empowerment and national pride,” he said.

Mwamulowe noted that Zambia’s diverse heritage portfolio—ranging from national monuments, historical buildings and archaeological sites to cultural landscapes and traditional practices—remained an underutilised pillar in the tourism value chain.

He added that the 2026 theme presented an opportunity to deliberately integrate heritage conservation into mainstream tourism promotion.

“For the NHCC, this theme reinforces our mandate to ensure that heritage conservation goes hand in hand with tourism development. Preserving our heritage is not an end in itself; it is a means to tell Zambia’s story to the world, attract tourists beyond the traditional attractions, and spread the benefits of tourism to local communities,” Mwamulowe said.

He further reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to embracing innovation and digital platforms to raise awareness of Zambia’s heritage assets, particularly among youth and international audiences, in line with evolving tourism trends.

“We intend to place heritage at the centre of destination marketing by enhancing visitor experiences at our sites, promoting heritage circuits, and encouraging domestic tourism so that Zambians themselves appreciate and value the wealth of history that defines who we are as a people,” he added.

Mwamulowe also emphasised the importance of community involvement, noting that communities surrounding heritage sites are key partners in conservation and tourism promotion.

“The 2026 theme reminds us that sustainable tourism must be people-centred. Communities are the first custodians of heritage, and when empowered, they become ambassadors of tourism, safeguarding sites while benefiting economically from increased visitation,” he said.

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Venezuela names Rodriguez interim President after US capture of Maduro, as Pope calls for calm

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 14:05:01 +0000

Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodriguez as Interim President, a day after the United States launched an attack on the South American nation and captured President Nicolás Maduro and his wife.

In a ruling issued by its Constitutional Chamber, the court said Rodriguez would assume the presidency to ensure administrative continuity and safeguard national security following what it described as the president’s “forced absence.”

“The office of President of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, in order to guarantee administrative continuity and the comprehensive defence of the Nation,” the court said, announcing Rodriguez’s temporary assumption of power.

The Supreme Court added that it would deliberate further on establishing a legal framework to ensure continuity of the state, the functioning of government institutions and the protection of national sovereignty in light of the extraordinary circumstances.

Rodriguez, 56, is one of the most powerful figures within Venezuela’s socialist leadership and a close ally of Maduro.

Maduro has previously praised her loyalty and toughness, referring to her as a “tiger” for her staunch defence of his administration.

According to Gulfnews, she studied law at the Central University of Venezuela and has risen rapidly through the political ranks over the past decade.

In June 2018, Maduro appointed her Vice President, describing her at the time as “a young woman, brave, seasoned, daughter of a martyr, revolutionary, and proven in countless battles.”

She has since emerged as the country’s chief economic authority.
Reacting to the developments, US President Donald Trump said Washington had left Rodriguez in place as Maduro’s successor for now.

“She’s essentially willing to do what we think is necessary to make Venezuela great again,” Trump said.

Rodriguez, however, strongly rejected the US position, accusing Washington of aggression and warning that the move was aimed at exploiting Venezuela’s resources.

“This regime change would also allow for the seizure of our energy, mineral, and natural resources,” she said.

The situation has heightened tensions in the region, as Venezuela navigates a sudden leadership transition amid international pressure and domestic uncertainty.

Meanwhile, Pope Leo XIV has appealed for calm, justice and respect for human rights in Venezuela following dramatic political developments in the country.

Speaking during the Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square on Sunday as reported by the Vatican, the Pope expressed deep concern after United States forces arrested Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas on Saturday and transferred him to New York for trial.

“The good of the beloved Venezuelan people must prevail over every other consideration,” Pope Leo said, urging all parties to reject violence and pursue justice and peace.

He stressed the importance of safeguarding Venezuela’s sovereignty, upholding the rule of law as enshrined in the Constitution, and respecting the human and civil rights of every person.

The Pope also highlighted the need to work collectively toward a future marked by collaboration, stability and harmony, with particular concern for the poor who continue to suffer under the country’s difficult economic conditions.

Addressing the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo invited the global Church to pray for the Venezuelan people and assured them of his personal prayers.

He entrusted the nation to the intercession of Our Lady of Coromoto, the Patroness of Venezuela, as well as St. José Gregorio Hernández and St. Carmen Rendiles.

Pope Leo XIV encouraged believers not to lose hope, calling on them to place their trust in God.

“Let us continue to have faith in the God of peace. Let us pray and stand in solidarity with the peoples who suffer because of wars,” he said.

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Finance Minister, Musokotwane, pledges sustained public engagement on 2026 budget

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:42:10 +0000

The government has pledged to maintain continuous and transparent engagement with citizens and stakeholders on the 2026 National Budget and the country’s broader economic reform agenda, beyond the forthcoming national Townhall Meeting scheduled for January 29, 2026.

Finance and National Planning Minister, Situmbeko Musokotwane, said public engagement would not be limited to a single event but will be sustained through regular communication in the weeks leading up to the Townhall and thereafter on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis.

In a statement issued on Sunday, he said the Ministry of Finance and National Planning will consistently share timely, accurate and accessible information on the 2026 Budget, ongoing developmental programmes, progress on economic reforms and the policy choices shaping Zambia’s economic future.

According to Musokotwane, the approach reflects government’s understanding that public trust and confidence are built through openness, consistency and clarity.

“Citizens, businesses, civil society and cooperating partners deserve to understand not only what decisions are being taken, but why they are being taken, how they connect to national objectives and what they mean in practical terms for households, communities and enterprises,” he said.

The Minister noted that the Townhall Meeting would also mark the formal launch of the revised Public Engagement and Communication Strategy for the period 2025–2030, which was intended to strengthen dialogue, transparency and accountability in public finance management and economic governance.

Musokotwane called on all government agencies and statutory bodies under the Ministry of Finance and National Planning to actively support this communication drive by clearly explaining budgeted programmes and reforms to be implemented in 2026.

He stressed that both ongoing and planned reforms must be communicated proactively and in a coordinated manner, anchored in factual information, to ensure that stakeholders and the general public fully understand Government policies and initiatives.

“Economic reform succeeds when it is understood, when it is owned and when it is seen to be fair,” the Minister said, adding that speaking with one voice across Government will strengthen confidence in public institutions and reinforce national unity.

Musokotwane said Zambia’s prospects were strongest when government and citizens worked together, united by a shared purpose and commitment to national development.

He urged all stakeholders to approach the 2026 Budget season with confidence and responsibility, noting that sustained engagement was key to ensuring that the gains of reform endure and translate into shared prosperity for current and future generations.

The government, he said, remained committed to building a prosperous, resilient and equitable Zambia through inclusive dialogue, disciplined implementation of reforms and active citizen participation.

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Anthony Joshua returns to UK after fatal Nigeria crash

Bumba Mulenga — Sun, 04 Jan 2026 11:26:32 +0000

Former world heavyweight boxing champion, Anthony Joshua, has reportedly returned to the United Kingdom following a fatal road accident in Nigeria that claimed the lives of two of his close associates.

The crash occurred on Monday on a major highway near Lagos when a vehicle carrying Joshua, his strength and conditioning Coach, Sina Ghami, and trainer Latif “Latz” Ayodele collided with a stationary truck.

Ghami and Ayodele died as a result of the accident.

A report by Aljazeera shows that Joshua sustained minor injuries and was taken to hospital, where he was treated and later discharged on Wednesday after doctors confirmed he was clinically fit to continue recuperating at home.

British media reported on Saturday that the two-time heavyweight champion had flown back to the UK ahead of the funerals of Ghami and Ayodele.

Meanwhile, Nigerian police have charged the driver of the vehicle, 46-year-old Adeniyi Mobolaji Kayode, with dangerous driving causing death.

Kayode is expected to appear in court on January 20.

Joshua, the 2012 Olympic gold medallist, was in Nigeria on holiday.
He has strong family ties to the country and had travelled there following his victory over Jake Paul in Miami on December 19.

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