It wasn't until on 15 August 2014 when Zambrano would be called up to the national side once again. His first national appearance in ten months came on 4 September 2014, starting the whole game, in a 2–0 win against Iraq. Seven months later on 1 April 2015, Zambrano captained the national side for the first time in his career, as Peru lost 1–0 against Venezuela. Two months later, he was selected to be in Copa América held in Chile. Zambrano became the national side's first choice centre–back throughout the tournament. He then helped Peru kept two clean sheets in the Group Stage, resulting Peru progressing through to the knockout stage. However in the semi–finals of the Copa América against Chile, Zambrano was sent–off in the 20th minute for an unprofessional foul on Charles Aránguiz, as they lost 1–0. While serving his suspension, Peru went on to finish third place in the tournament after beating Paraguay 2–0. Zambrano later made seven appearances for the side between September 2015 and March 2016. Following this, he went on a three year absent from the international team. Zambrano reflected on his absent, saying: "When Gareca did not call me it was because he had no continuity and had lost the desire to play soccer. When you go to the national team you have to go with joy and contribute to your country. Always discuss it with him (Ricardo Gareca ), we tell each other things in confidence. It was important to return to the team after a long time and I did it in a great way, I trusted myself a lot. When I wasn't there I was aware that I didn't deserve it. I came back in a great moment."