Chad national team coach Kevin Nicaise has expressed confidence ahead of the Group G 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) qualifier against Zambia, set to take place at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola but stated that his team has nothing to lose.
Nicaise believes it would be a “shame” if Zambia, a team ranked in Africa’s top 100, fails to secure victory against his side.
“Everything that is going to happen in these next five days is going to be decisive for both teams, for Zambia, for us,” he said. “But I think that Zambia has more pressure than us because if they don’t win against us, it’s a shame. Let’s be honest. So whatever, we are here to fight until the end and hope we can get results.”
The coach emphasized that while Zambia may be favored, his team is prepared to challenge the expectations and aim for an upset, highlighting the unpredictability of football and the potential for surprises in competitive matches.
“It will be a difficult game”- Nicaise
He acknowledged the talent and depth of the Zambian team but reiterated that his players are ready to give their all on the pitch as the second place in the group is still up for grabs.
“We have seen both of [the last two] games for Zambia, so we did a good analysis. It’s not every game that is the same. It is going to be different tomorrow. It’s going to be a difficult game. We know it. Because Zambia is a good team in Africa, they’re in the top hundred. So it’s a serious team and I think that in this group, the second place is the thing that everybody’s going to try to reach.
Nicaise added: “We know that it’s going to be difficult and I hope that we can make a good game while we have respect for this team. We are going to play a hundred percent to make a good game.“
After tomorrow’s game, Zambia will travel to Yaoundé, Cameroon for the second leg to be played on Tuesday.
The Chipolopolo can seal their qualification for next year’s AfCON with back-to-back victories in this international window if Ivory Coast also defeats Sierra Leone.
Grant’s side is currently ranked second in Group G with three points, behind leaders Ivory Coast, who top with six points, while Sierra Leone and Chad have one point each.
