Former Chipolopolo player James Chamanga has urged the team to remain focused in Friday’s match against Ivory Coast at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.
Zambia will host the Elephants, who are defending champions, at 18:00hrs CAT with Ivory Coast leading Group G with nine points, while Zambia is second with seven points, Sierra Leone has four points, and Chad has one point.
In an interview with BolaNews, Chamanga emphasized the importance of the Chipolopolo qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in a row.
“They must just focus and dream of qualifying. When you miss these tournaments many times, you lose confidence,” said the 2012 AFCON winner.
“If you go to the tournament, even if you don’t do well, at the first instance that you experience, you start to get the experience, you know, of going to this tournament. The most important thing is not to underrate Ivory Coast, because they’re a big side now.
Zambia can win despite injuries- Chamanga
Despite the team’s injuries, Chamanga believes that the collective effort and teamwork will be the key factors for Zambia to overcome Ivory Coast.
“They should believe in themselves and know that going to this tournament is very important for the confidence to be built on. But if they miss the tournament by not qualifying, then they start losing their confidence again.”
Meanwhile, BolaNews’ Julius Malulu reports that another AFCON winner Chintu Kampamba has advised the Chipolopolo boys not to panic, but die a little for the Country as they face Ivory Coast.
“They shouldn’t panic since it’s a must win game and playing at home. But they should be focused and play according to instructions. Everyone has to bring their A game. I am pretty sure they will win once they just play with the passion and aggression.”
Zambia need to win this game to qualify; a draw or loss tomorrow, will mean the Chipolopolo will have to avoid defeat on Tuesday against Sierra Leone to secure a ticket to Morocco.
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