This archive report was first published on 4 September 2019.
On September 4, 2019, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) called off a friendly soccer international against South Africa in Lusaka, citing 'prevailing security concerns' in South Africa.
The decision came after violent riots in Johannesburg and Pretoria left at least five people dead and over 80 arrested. The unrest, which spread to surrounding townships, targeted mainly foreign-owned shops.
The cancellation of the match has raised fears of a recurrence of the violence aimed at foreigners in 2015, which resulted in at least seven deaths.
The Zambia-South Africa match will be rescheduled to take place during the October window for internationals.
The South African Football Association is seeking alternative opponents, with local media reporting that they are in talks with Madagascar to host a fixture in Johannesburg.
