Chambeshi describes Zambia’s AFCON 2027 draw as fair

SEOGWIPO, SOUTH KOREA - MAY 21: Head Coach Beston Chambeshi of Zambia during the FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017 group C match between Zambia and Portugal at Jeju World Cup Stadium on May 21, 2017 in Seogwipo, South Korea. (Photo by Christopher Lee - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

Former Chipolopolo interim trainer Beston Chambeshi has described Zambia’s 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) draw as fair.

On Tuesday, Zambia was placed in Group I of the qualifiers for the AfCON, which is set to be co-hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda.

Chipolopolo will face Burundi, Algeria, and Togo, with the top two teams after the qualifiers set to book a place at the tournament.

Chambeshi said the draw is fair. “It is a fair draw. I think what will determine our success is the type of preparation that we will have.”

Zambia Team Picture during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Zambia and Comoros at the Mohamed V Stadium in Casablanca, Morocco on 26 December 2025 ©Ladjal Djaffar/BackpagePix

He said all teams are beatable, but preparation is key.

“You cannot rate or underrate any team,” he said. “We have to approach all teams with the same mentality, so it is important to work hard in the preparations.”

He said, having qualified for the last two editions of the AFCON, Zambia should not lose the momentum.