Zambia will be seeking redemption when they host Togo at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium on Tuesday in their second Group I match of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, following a 3-1 defeat to Algeria in their opening fixture.
Togo head into the match high on confidence after defeating Burundi 2-1 to move into second place in the group, level on points with leaders Algeria.
Togo head coach Patrice Neveu said he was pleased with his team’s victory in their opening match.
“Well, we are pleased to have started this first qualifying round with a home win, which still gives my team confidence,” he told a press conference in Ndola on Monday.
“We know that we are rebuilding and that we have come to play here in Zambia, in a country renowned for its football, and we know that it will be a tough match to play.”
I know Zambia very well – Neveu
Asked whether Togo had an advantage heading into the clash, particularly after winning their opening match while Zambia suffered defeat, Neveu said his team had no advantage but remained optimistic about securing a positive result.
“No, it’s not an advantage, given that I know full well that Zambia played away to the team that is the group favourite, namely Algeria, which is a big team, right. Mind you, I know the quality of your squad very well since my friend Hervé Renard was there in 2012 and you were African champions.
“So I know the team’s journey well, and I know your team’s potential well. We are very respectful of your team’s quality, but as I say, we have, of course, as you’ll understand, made the trip, I would say, to get a result.
“And as far as pressure goes, I think that in a way, above all, it’s going to be a good match. I also know that you will have a crowd, a large crowd that will be encouraging their team. So it is up to us to also know how to get off to a good start tactically.”
Zambia and Togo have met four times, with Togo winning three matches and the Chipolopolo claiming just one victory.
