It is now over two weeks since Chipolopolo were booted out of the AfCON following a dismal showing in Group F. 

In a group that had Morocco, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Chipolopolo recorded two stalemates and one defeat to kiss the grand stage goodbye.

Zambia started the competition with a 1–1 draw against the DRC before coming from behind to again draw 1–1 with Tanzania in the second match. 

At this stage of the competition, the team was still with a chance to make it to the round of 16, as all they needed was to avoid defeat to Morocco, but fate had it that they were to lose 1–0 to the Atlas Lions.

While most people have been sympathetic to the team’s performance owing to the fact that over 80 percent of the players in the team were making their AfCON debut, Bonetti has gone in hard on the team.

“Overall, Zambia played mediocre. I believe that to be competitive, they must allow the young people to grow, but they need to find new quality players,” Bonetti said when he appeared on ZNBC’s Radio 4 AfCON update with journalist Matimba Nkonje. 

Bonetti on Grant’s performance

Bonetti is famously remembered for qualifying Zambia for the 2012 AfCON but he never stayed long enough to enjoy the fruits of his labour as he was fired two days after the final qualifying match. 

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Asked to rate Avram Grant’s performance, the Italian gave a diplomatic answer. 

“It is not my responsibility to express an opinion on the work done [by] Mr. Grant,” he said. 

Since his appointment, Grant has overseen 12 matches for Zambia, inclusive of friendly matches, recording five wins, four stalemates, and three defeats.