Why are Russia only playing football against African teams?

Sabornaya are banned from playing competitive football after invading Ukraine.

The Russian national football team have been competing against African teams after their ban from significant competitions. This is after they illegally trespassed in Ukraine. Some of the African sides have not denied playing any matches against Russia. Over the period of last year, Sabornaya have faced Syria, Belarus, Brunei, Grenada, Vietnam and Serbia.

The Russia national football team are on a seven-match winning streak. They have only been able to play friendly matches for some time and have not conceded any goals but have scored 31 goals. The 2018 FIFA World Cup hosts have been in good form and last defeated Zambia 5-0.

These specific African nations have friendly ties with them and hence are taking part in the international friendlies against them. The Zambia national football team wanted to keep their player engaged as they don’t have any matches to contest during the current international window. Hence, when Russia were asking for a friendly fixture, Zambia gladly accepted it.

Sydney Mungala, the Zambia FA communications director, mentioned that Zambia do have strong ties with Russia, and the international friendly fixture between the two teams did not suggest that they are calling Sabornaya’s reestablishment to FIFA.

One of the main reasons why the African sides have been playing them in friendly ties is because of the International and cultural relations. Russia used to be a part of the Soviet Union; hence, they are still one of the most powerful sides in the world.

After Zambia, the Russia national football team will take on Nigeria. Although Sabornaya have confirmed their international friendly against Nigeria in June 2025, there has been no official confirmation from Nigeria as of now.

Even after repeated requests from the other countries, Russia have continued to invade Ukraine time and time again. They have not worked on slowing down this process as of now. If this goes on further, then the national football team should forget about competing in the important tournaments.

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