Zambia captain Fashion Sakala has admitted that he did not realise how demanding the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament was before making his debut at the 2023 edition.

Sakala, who was recently appointed Zambia’s captain, told a press conference in Casablanca that the last AFCON served as a wake-up call for many players in the squad. He added that the team is now better prepared and more competitive, noting that this year’s squad is stronger than the previous one.

“The first Africa cup that we played in Ivory Coast was like a wake up call for us but I believe that the team is better now and very ready for this tournament compared to the first tournament that I played,” the Saudi Arabia Al Fayha striker said.

“I believe that we have a much better team now than the team that we had last time. We are very much ready to fight for this trophy,” he added confidently.

Sakala on personal experience

Speaking about his personal experience, Sakala admitted: “For me it was first time . I didn’t expect the tournament to be that difficult obviously the experience that I had at my first Africa that I played, I realized how tough this tournament is and how important the preparation should be as a team but I believe that we have prepared well , very good team a team of young players who are ready to compete and show their talents.”

Zambia will face Mali at the AFCON for the first time since 1994, when the two sides met in the semi-finals. Zambia won that encounter 4-0, with goals from Elihah Litana (8’), Zeddy Saileti (30’), Kalusha Bwalya (47’) and Kenneth Malitoli (73’).

That defeat remains Mali’s joint-heaviest loss at the AFCON finals, alongside a 4-0 semi-final defeat to Morocco in 2004. Zambia’s victory in 1994 also stands as their joint-biggest win at the finals.

Overall, the two teams have met six times, with Zambia winning twice, Mali once, and three matches ending in draws.

Following Morocco’s victory over Comoros yesterday, the hosts top Group A with three points, while Zambia and Mali will be hoping to leapfrog them when they meet today.

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