…as Chipolopolo aim to down Elephants
By MICHAEL MIYOBA
ZAMBIA national soccer teams’ quest to break the jinx of failing to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations after missing the last three editions of the continental championship will come under scrutiny today when the Chipolopolo boys host 2024 AFCON hosts Ivory Coast.
The Group H 2024 AFCON qualifier scheduled for Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola promises sparks as the Chipolopolo boys are seeking to avoid defeat to qualify for the continental showpiece.
Since storming to glory in 2012 where they defeated the Elephants in the final to win a maiden AFCON title, Zambia have been disappointing on the continental stage, following group-stage exits in 2013 and 2015, before failing to qualify for the last three editions.
Ivory Coast are unbeaten in Group H with 10 points, one point ahead of second-placed Chipolopolo led by Israelite Avram Grant who is a step away from making history with the squad.
With Ivory Coast having humbled Zambia 3-1 in the first match of the qualifiers which was played in June last year in Abidjan, the Chipolopolo boys will seek revenge against the 2015 African Champions.
Motivated by the 2-1 of Comoros before the back to back wins over Lesotho in the last two qualifiers, the Chipolopolo will be inspired to maintain their fine form as they seek to secure qualification for the 34th edition of the continental championship.
Grant, who took over the reins from Aljosa Asanovic last year as Chipolopolo gaffer, will look to maintain a 100 percent winning record after the back to back triumph over Lesotho last March.
The former Chelsea and Ghana national team coach is on the cusps of securing an AFCON return and an 18th appearance at the AFCON for the Chipolopolo boys who hold a healthy six-point lead over third-placed Comoros heading into the final two matches.
The Chipolopolo gaffer may look to veteran defender Stoppila Sunzu, who was in the AFCON-winning team back in 2012, makes a return to the Zambia squad for the first time since November 2019 to provide cover in defence alongside Ayr United’s Frankie Musonda.
Upfront, Grant is likely to maintain the strong partnership of Fashion Sakala and Leicester City striker Patson Daka, while Kings Kangwa and Young Lameck Banda who features for Lecce in Italy are likely to dictate play in midfield.
NOW OR NEVER
