Former Zambia National team defender Francis Kasonde has predicted the Chipolopolo Boys’ possible opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ahead of the draws set for Monday in Morocco.
The final draw for the 2025 AFCON will take place at the Mohammed V National Theatre in Rabat. The Draw will divide the 24 qualified teams into six groups.
The AFCON will run from 21 December to 18 January 2026.
In an interview with BolaNews, Kasonde, the 2012 AFCON winner, has predicted the likelihood of facing defending champions Ivory Coast, with one giant from North Africa also in the group.
“From time to time, Zambia usually is paired with one or two of the North African teams, and in this edition, I foresee Zambia being in the same group as any of the following teams: Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia, Tanzania, or Botswana,” Kasonde said.
Kasonde, who earned 35 caps for the national team between 2005 and 2013, added that he expects the team to at least get to the quarterfinals of the tournament because they have gained some experience after bowing out in the group stages at the 2023 AFCON that was played last year in Ivory Coast.
“In the last edition, the boys did their best, which was not good enough. Hopefully, they have gained some experience, which will be helpful for the next tournament. I think they will do better this time. My expectation is for them to reach the quarterfinals,” he stated.
Technical bench should study opponents- Kasonde
The former Power Dynamos center-back has urged the Avram Grant-led technical bench to adequately study their opponents ahead of the tournament.
“With modern football, it is easy to study and plan for opponents, which is the area for the technical bench. That will help them to choose the right squad for the tournament,” he said. “With the players, all that is needed is teamwork .… Because a team is more important than individuals, and they should die a little for Mother Zambia.”
Kasonde spent most of his time with the national team as a defender under Herve Renard. He competed in four Africa Cup tournaments, including the successful 2012 tournament.
Kasonde has played for ZESCO United, Power Dynamos, and Mufulira Wanderers on the local scene, as well as TP Mazembe in DR Congo and Hapoel Ra’anana in Israel. He also spent time in Oman and Malaysia.
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