The Chipolopolo Boys have intensified preparations for Friday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Ivory Coast in Bouake.
The team already camped and had a training session on Tuesday evening at the National Institute of Youth and Sports of Abidjan (INJS) campus pitch.
The Stade de la Paix in Bouake will host the match, and three days later, the Levy Mwanawansa stadium in Ndola will host Sierra Leone.
“I think there’s a lot of hard work that is needed. We need to improve on so many stuff but I believe in the team…… And I know everyone who’s here understands what we want,” the team’s captain, Lubambo Musonda told FAZ media on Tuesday.
The Germany-based attacker said Friday’s game will not be easy for both sides.
“It won’t be an easy game, of course, but they’re also aware of us,” he said. “They [Ivory Coast] know what we can do to them. So it’s just about having confidence in ourselves and going out there to give the best that we can.”
Zambia and Ivory Coast last met during the 2023 AFCON qualifiers in Ndola, with the Chipolopolo winning 3-0.
However, Avram Grant’s team is on a six-game winless streak in all competitive games, having last won against Congo Brazzaville in the World Cup qualifiers in November of last year.
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