Chipolopolo striker Albert Kangawanda says he is ready to pick up where he left off in the 2024 Cosafa Cup, which kicked off yesterday at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, South Africa.
The Chipolopolo boys who are the defending champions will begin their title defense against Kenya on today before facing rival Zimbabwe on Sunday.
Zambia will finish their group stage with a match against the Comoros on July 2nd.
Kangawanda delivered an outstanding performance in the 2023 edition, scoring three goals, and is eager to help the team win their eighth title.
“I will just like to pick up where I left off last time,” he told FAZ media. “So going into the tournament, last time I finished with three goals so I want to do more this time and help my nation win another cup,” he said.
Kangwanda who joined Sudanese top-flight side Al-Hilal Sports Club last August but currently training with Red Arrows FC said despite the team not having enough time to prepare, he believes they are ready for the challenge ahead.
“The fans will obviously expect a win and they would want us to come back with the trophy and we have that in mind so going into the tournament, everyone is ready. We have not prepared that much, but we are professionals, and we won’t go away from that. We are going to fight and work together as a team,” said Kangawanda.
Kangwanda declares Kenya game a must win
The former Kafue Celtic striker also added that they will not underrate any team, but the team’s focus will be to take each game as it comes.
“Well, we wouldn’t underrate any of the teams. You know, what’s important in a tournament is playing each game as it comes so we will focus on the first game, which is against Kenya. A good start will make us motivated so in our first game against Kenya, we just have to win. Even the coming games will give us a bit of morale,” concluded Kangawanda.
Zambia is in Group B with Kenya, Zimbabwe, and the Comoros.
The Chipolopolo boys have won the previous two titles and will be hoping to become the first team in tournament history to win three cups.
Chipolopolo has finished second six times, more than any other nation.
The defending champions also won a silver medal in 2017 and 2018.
