Legend tells Chipolopolo to improve at AFCON

(Photo by SIA KAMBOU / AFP)

Zambia legend Jericho Shinde says he expects an improved performance from Chipolopolo at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

Chipolopolo is in Group A of the tournament alongside the hosts, Mali and Comoros.

Shinde, a Nkana and Chipolopolo hero, has told Bolanews in an interview that a quarterfinal berth is the barest minimum for Avram Grant’s men.

“Well, it is good that we are back at AFCON; we need to be positive about our chances. I expect a better run compared to what we saw in Ivory Coast.

“For this team, it will be progress if they make it to a quarterfinal, because we have to be careful in that most of the players, this will be their second AfCON appearance,” Shinde said.

Zambia were booted out of the AfCON in the group stage of the 2023 edition, which was played this year in Ivory Coast.

“Good preparation will be key; I hope we can have enough preparatory matches,” Shinde said. “Sometimes you do not have the luxury of having all your players available, so it will be nice to see how the coach works around that.”