Chipolopolo head coach Avram Grant is pleased with the team’s readiness for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following their 1-1 draw with Cameroon in a friendly match on Tuesday afternoon held in Saudi Arabia at the King Abdallah Sports City Stadium.

Grant told FAZ media after the game that it was a good test for the team and that he will not put too much pressure on the players ahead of their opening game in San Pedro next Wednesday, even though there is still room for improvement.

“We have one more week to prepare so we will not put too much pressure on the team,” he said. “But we will now focus on the physical side. We will do everything to be ready on the 17th [of January].”

The former Ghana and Chelsea FC manager added: “We have a good bunch of players that want to give everything for their country.

“The attitude of the players is very good; they are giving everything in training. We have a good team; we did a lot of developing in the last year on and off the pitch. We have the Africa Cup to concentrate on now,” he concluded. 

The Chipolopolo boys will be expected to fly to Ivory Coast on Thursday, where they will be based in San Pedro. 

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They will face DR Congo in their opening match before meeting Tanzania four days later.

The Chipolopolo will conclude their group stage against Morocco on 24th January.