ZESCO Limited has explained the power disturbance that interrupted the Zambia–Togo 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday night. The interruption occurred during the highly anticipated Group I encounter, temporarily plunging parts of the stadium into darkness and forcing a stoppage in play. The match eventually resumed […]

ZESCO Limited has explained the power disturbance that interrupted the Zambia–Togo 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on Tuesday night.

The interruption occurred during the highly anticipated Group I encounter, temporarily plunging parts of the stadium into darkness and forcing a stoppage in play.

The match eventually resumed after the lighting system returned to sufficient brightness, with Zambia going on to secure a 2-0 victory over Togo. The blackout attracted significant attention both inside the stadium and online, with footage of the interruption circulating on social media.

However, in a media statement issued on Wednesday, September 30, 2026, ZESCO said the actual power disturbance was extremely brief.

ZESCO Says Power Disturbance Lasted Just 0.2 Seconds

According to ZESCO, the power disturbance occurred at 18:21 hours and lasted just 0.2 seconds.

The utility explained that the prolonged darkness witnessed at the stadium was not because the power interruption itself lasted for several minutes.

Instead, the affected stadium floodlights are designed in such a way that they require approximately 20 minutes to return to full brightness following a power disturbance.

This distinction, ZESCO said, explains why a momentary disturbance resulted in a much longer interruption to the lighting at the stadium.

The incident was also reported by local and international media after the match was temporarily halted because of the lighting problem.
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Why Did the Lights Take So Long to Come Back?

The explanation provided by ZESCO points to the design of the stadium’s floodlighting system.

Although the power disturbance lasted only 0.2 seconds, the floodlights did not immediately return to their normal operating brightness.

Instead, the lighting system required approximately 20 minutes to reach full brightness again.

This meant that the players, officials and spectators had to wait despite the actual disturbance on the electricity supply being extremely short.

For a major international football match being played under floodlights, the incident demonstrated how the design of a lighting system can affect the continuity of an event even when an interruption in electricity supply is very brief.

ZESCO to Review Stadium Lighting System

ZESCO said it will engage the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts to look into redesigning the stadium’s lighting system.

The objective will be to minimise the risk of similar disruptions during future sporting events.

The move follows the disruption at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, which hosted the AFCON qualifier between Zambia and Togo.

With the stadium used for major international football fixtures, reliable lighting is particularly important for ensuring that matches can proceed without lengthy interruptions.

Zambia Beat Togo 2-0

Despite the interruption, the Chipolopolo managed to secure all three points.

Zambia won the match 2-0, with Albert Kangwanda putting the home side ahead early in the game before substitute Eliya Mandanji scored the second goal deep into stoppage time.

The victory revived Zambia’s campaign in Group I of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers after the team had suffered a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in its opening fixture.

The result left Zambia with three points from two matches, according to the post-match standings reported by local media.

ZESCO Congratulates Chipolopolo

While acknowledging the lighting disturbance, ZESCO congratulated the Chipolopolo Boys on their victory over Togo.

The utility also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting reliable power supply for sporting events.

The statement was issued by ZESCO’s Corporate Affairs Department on Wednesday, September 30, 2026.

What ZESCO’s Explanation Means

The clarification provides an important distinction between the duration of the electricity disturbance and the time required for the stadium’s floodlights to recover.

According to ZESCO, electricity was disrupted for only 0.2 seconds, but the stadium’s lighting system required approximately 20 minutes to regain full brightness.

The utility’s planned engagement with the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Arts will therefore focus on whether the existing lighting system can be redesigned to reduce the impact of similar brief power disturbances in the future.

For football fans, the hope will be that future international matches at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium can proceed without another lengthy interruption caused by the stadium lighting system.
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