Kamanga Says FAZ is Ticking Right Boxes After Back-to-Back AFCON qualification

"We continue to tick the key boxes for the progress of our game," says Kamanga.

BolaNews Reporter Published November 18, 2024

3 Min Read

Kennedy Musonda and Kings Kangwa celebrate Zambia's victory over Ivory Coast on November 15 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola. (Photo via FAZ media)

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) president Andrew Kamanga believes his administration has ticked all the right boxes with a number of national teams qualifying for continental tournaments.

On Friday, Chipolopolo became the latest national team to book qualification for the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) after seeing off Ivory Coast 1 – 0.

The team joins the likes of the Copper Queens and the under-20 men’s team, which have secured qualification for their respective Cup of Nations.

Chipolopolo’s qualification was particularly sweet in that it came at the back of a big performance against Ivory Coast, who are the defending African Champions.

Writing in his column, Kamanga has stated that the various successes recorded at various national team levels are a testament that the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) is ticking the right boxes.

“The Chipolopolo qualification adds to the Copper Queens and Zambia under-20 boys qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations next year. We continue to tick the key boxes for the progress of our game,” Kamanga said.

Kamanga’s Message to Chipolopolo Boys

Chipolopolo are one match away from finishing the group as leaders. They face Sierra Leone in Monrovia, Liberia on Tuesday.

“Our message to the team is to end the campaign on a high and cap the 60th Independence celebrations for mother Zambia with a table topping campaign,” Kamanga said.

Zambia sits top of the pile with 10 points, one better than second-placed Ivory Coast, while Sierra Leone is third with five points and out of the contest. Chad anchors all the teams at the bottom with three points.

The biggest challenge for Avram Grant’s men now will be to zoom past the group stage at the AFCON next year following their dismal show during that 2023, played in 2024 event in Ivory Coast.

Earlier this year, Chipolopolo’s return to the AFCON following an eight-year absence saw them fail to qualify out of the group stage after recording two stalemates and one loss.