After the Chipolopolo’s early exit from the 2025 COSAFA Cup, Zambia’s assistant coach, Beston Chambeshi, has voiced cautious optimism about the national team’s chances ahead of the next African Nations Championship (CHAN).
Speaking following Zambia’s elimination, Chambeshi acknowledged his sadness while highlighting the team’s younger players’ development.
“Overall, the second game against Botswana showed a lot of improvement. We didn’t start very well in the opening minutes, but once we pushed the boys, they responded,” said Chambeshi. “They proved that we have a team that can compete in tournaments like this.”
At the COSAFA Cup, Zambia was grouped with Comoros and Botswana in a three-team group. Against Botswana, he said, the team settled into a rhythm.
“I wish we had four teams in the group,” Chambeshi reflected. “The way we picked up after the Botswana game, I believe we could have gone further. But that’s tournament football — you can’t cry about it.”
Notwithstanding the setback, the coach noted that the competition gave a number of young players who were making their international debuts a chance to practice.
“We had young boys who showed they could play at this stage. For some of them, like Sinkala, it was their very first international game. Others had played one or two matches. So, it was a great experience.”
Zambia will now shift attention to the CHAN — which kicks off in August and will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Chambeshi admitted that preparations will be tight, with just a few weeks to put a squad together.
“First, we need to put a solid plan in place. I know we don’t have enough time — maybe just two or three weeks — but if we plan well, I believe we can go far,” he said. “Football is all about planning.”
He emphasized the need for friendly matches to help the players gel and to sharpen key areas of the squad.
“You’ve seen we need more coordination. To play in a big tournament like CHAN, we need a strong defense — we must not concede goals. That’s one area we must improve. And of course, our striking force also needs strengthening.”
“CHAN is a big tournament,” he noted. “You’ll find that many countries don’t use players from outside — they depend on their homegrown talents. That’s the same situation we are in, so we have to make sure every position in the team is solid.”
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