Chipolopolo makes a return to the AFCON below Avram Grant and has set sights on transferring previous the group stage and probably profitable the match.
Zambia made historical past on the continent when it defeated a star-studded Ivorian aspect to win the 2012 AFCON. The staff was led by the Katongo brothers, Christopher and Felix.
11 years after the win, Zambian soccer has struggled, with the staff crashing out within the group stage within the 2013 and 2015 editions, whereas it has did not qualify for the final three editions.
Chipolopolo makes a return to the AFCON below Avram Grant and has set sights on transferring previous the group stage and probably profitable the match.
Zambia have been drawn into a gaggle alongside one of many match’s favourites, Morocco, Tanzania, and the DR Congo.
Coach
Avram Grant is a well-liked determine amongst English soccer followers after beforehand teaching Chelsea FC, West Ham United, and Portsmouth.
The 68-year-old can also be no stranger to African soccer and the AFCON, having led Ghana to 2 AFCON tournaments in 2015 and 2017, ending as runners-up and in fourth place, respectively.
Grant achieved a exceptional feat by qualifying the staff for its first AFCON in eight years, and his expertise teaching prime sides all over the world can be wanted if Zambia had been to tug off a shock in Ivory Coast.
Star Participant
Patson Daka made historical past by changing into the primary Zambian to attain within the English Premier League after scoring in Leicester Metropolis’s 4-2 win over Manchester United within the 2021-22 season.
The 25-year-old joined the Foxes from RB Salzburg, the place he scored a formidable 68 targets in 125 video games and supplied 27 assists. Though he hasn’t performed a lot this season, however AFCON will give him an opportunity to indicate himself.
Daka will lead the road for the Chipolopolo in his first-ever AFCON match and will enhance his present tally of 18 targets for the nationwide staff up to now.
Rising Star
Miguel Chaiwa’s inclusion within the 27-man squad for AFCON exhibits how vital the teen can be in Zambia’s quest to return to the top of African soccer.
The 19-year-old midfielder, who performs for Younger Boys within the Swiss League, says he is able to make his dream debut if referred to as upon in any of the video games on the AFCON.
“What helped me a lot is difficult work. My goal has at all times been to play within the AFCON. With out exhausting work, it is unimaginable to be on the staff. You must work in your errors and put God first, at all times,” Chaiwa mentioned.
Fixtures
DR Congo vs Zambia – January 17
Zambia vs Tanzania – January 21
Zambia vs Morocco – January 24
