Zambia’s Chipolopolo boys defeated Ivory Coast 3-0 to qualify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be held in Ivory Coast the following year.

The triumph at Ndola’s Levy Mwanawasa stadium resurrected their Afcon appearance after missing out on three editions, with only one team qualifying from Group H.

After an extended hiatus since 2015, qualification for the continent’s premier soccer event occurred, and the Chipolopolo lads will be confident that they can match the 2012 team’s achievements.

For now, the Chipolopolo boys will shift focus to their last game against Comoros in their quest to seal Group H top spot with a victory against the Islanders to reach with 15 points.

Following that qualification, former 2012 Afcon champion Collins Mbesuma wrote on his social media page to thank the Chipolopolo for bringing happiness to the Zambian people by finally qualifying for the Afcon.

Mbesuma excited with Afcon slot

“I think on my side am excited it’s been long the game was exciting to watch. As a player during those days such games were not easy, people use to give a lot of pressure and the Ivory Coast game was a must win and boys came to the party.

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“Kudos to FAZ, technical bench and the players for the effort they put in to make the people of Zambia proud. I wish them all the best as they begin to prepare for the Africa Cup,” the former Portsmouth striker said.