When Zambia lost a FIFA World Cup qualifier to Sudan on 1 June 1996 in Khartoum, Phiri lost his place to Davies Phiri. He was the third choice goalkeeper for Zambia at CAN 1998 and later that year, he moved to Chinese club Qingdao Hainiu on a two-year deal. When his contract expired, he returned to Zambia and retired to join the Zanaco coaching bench. He also managed his own community team in Lusaka called Ibrahim Stars.