On December 22, Zambia will begin their 2025 AfCON campaign against Mali. Head coach Moses Sichone is certain that his lads can replicate the team that who won the AfCON in 2012.

The Africa Cup of Nations tournament begins on Sunday in Morocco.

The Chipolopolo boys will be making their 19th appearance at the tournament.

Sichone, unsure on whether he will be Zambia’s head Coach due to a revised CAF licensing system, will be hoping his boys deliver an outstanding performance during the competition.

The Chipolopolo boys arrived in Casablanca on Friday after a brief camping in Spain, losing 2 nil to current AfCON defending champions, Ivory Coast in a preparatory friendly match.

Speaking to CAF media in an interview, Sichone insisted that his team is ready to compete and not just participate.

“Of course we didn’t just come here to participate, but we are here to compete against every team that we will play against,” he said.

“I know it’s a difficult group where we are, but I believe in our boys so far. What I have seen is a lot of positive things. Of course, the chances are there. Football is not played on the paper, but on the field,” added the coach.

The Chipolopolo boys’ boss fired warning shots at their opponents.

“We have always been telling them how important this AFCON is and that first games are always important, so if you don’t get the three points, at least you need to get a point. So we are taking the first game so seriously and will see the outcome of the 90 minutes,” he noted.

“History keeps repeating itself. We might be here as underdogs, but let the tournament begin, and then you will see where Zambia will end,” warned Sichone.

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