Mutapa backs Zambia to leave a mark at AFCON in Morocco

Zambia national team assistant coach Perry Mutapa belives the Chipolopolo will be ready to take on the best during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.

The Chipolopoloi endured a difficult outing during the just concluded November FIFA International break after losing their two matches. They first lost 3-1 against South Africa before travelling to Angola where they lost 3-2.

Despite the outcome, Mutapa, who was standing in for coach Moses Sichone, insists Zambia will be ready for their Group A matches against Morocco, Comoros, and Mali.

“We know in terms of defending, especially in organisation, we didn’t do well,” Mutapa said as quoted by Bola News. “We spent about two hours working on the structure because we knew Angola were a big threat on set pieces. The first goal unsettled us—five minutes in, they scored from a corner. We didn’t pick the runners.

“From the last game we played on Saturday, we had maybe only three players who started. Most of them were playing their first or second international game. To see that fighting spirit, we are delighted as the technical bench.”

Zambia going to AFCON to compete

He added: “It’s a loss but building takes time. Going to the AFCON, we believe we are going to deliver results, but sometimes what is important is the performance.

“We are trying to see young boys who are going to make the nation great again. In terms of organization, we are still lacking, especially in defense. But going forward and in the fight, you can see we are coming back.”

Mutapa concluded: “When we talk about building, we mean today and tomorrow. But we are not going to Morocco to say we are building. We are going to Morocco to make a mark.

“We have seen where we need to patch up and we’ll do that. Going to the AFCON, we want to make a good mark.”

Zambia will kick off their campaign against Mali, before taking on Comoros on matchday two.

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