Avram Grant guided the Zambia National Team to an incredible 3-0 thrashing of Ivory Coast 3-0 at the Levy Mwanawansa stadium to seal their qualification for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday.
Zambia opened the scoring through Nottingham Forest defender Serge Aurier who scored an own goal in the 30th minute.
The game was 1-0 at halftime, and in the second half, Leicester City’s Patson Daka scored his 12th international goal in the 48th minute after beating Eric Baily and the goalkeeper.
Red Star Belgrade midfielder, Kings Kangwa’s right-footed shot from the center of the box was goal number three for Zambia.
Grant reveals secret quote
Meanwhile, Grant told journalists after the game that he was impressed with the team’s fighting spirit. He also applauded his team for outplaying Ivory Coast, which he considers to be one of Africa’s top teams.
“I am very happy with the fighting spirit of the team,” he said. ” Ivory Coast is one of the best teams in Africa but we were better than them today. I am very happy.”
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The 68-year-old former Chelsea FC coach who now has a 100% winning record with the Chipolopolo also revealed that his target is to continue winning.
“I told you when I came, our target is to win every game. Our target is to try and win every game.”
The coach also disclosed what he told the players which helped them defeat Ivory Coast.
“One of the quotes I told the players is; don’t ask what the country can give to you, ask what you can give to the country, and I think you can be very proud of them,” revealed Grant.
The Chipolopolo will now be making their return to AFCON for the first time since 2015.
Zambia is set to make its 18th appearance at the competition which will be held in Ivory Coast next year. No Southern African team has appeared at the AFCON finals than Zambia.
