BBC Sport, Lusaka
Namibia coach Ben Bamfuchile has died in Zambia.
Bamfuchile had been due to return to Namibia ahead of the Nations Cup
The 47 year-old Zambian succumbed to illness on Thursday night in the nothern city of Kitwe.
Bamfuchile became an instant hero in September after Namibia snatched a 3-2 victory in Ethiopia to qualify for the African Nations Cup finals.
The Brave Warriors' victory left more fancied group opponents like the DR Congo on the sidelines.
It was only the second time the country had reached the finals of the African football showpiece.
Bamfuchile had previously coached his own country.
Football Association of Zambia (Faz) president Teddy Mulonga paid tribute to him.
"The association has lost a dedicated professional and a true patriot," Mulonga said.
"He was true to his faith and delivered the results.
"Ben was an achiever of the highest order.
"One of the memorable moments was in 2000, when he qualified Zambia to the Nations Cup finals without a loss and with the highest points in all qualifying groups."
After losing his job as Zambia coach in 2000, Bamfuchile bounced back as assistant coach to Kalusha Bwalya in 2003.
He quit the post this year, opting to join Nambia as head trainer.
During his career as a footballer, he played for fallen Zambian giants Nkana who dominated domestic football in the 80s.
Later, Bamfuchile coached Nkana┐s arch-rivals Power Dynamos, with whom he won over six cups.
He also had coaching stints in South Africa.
Bamfuchile is survived by his wife and six children.