Zambia coach Avram Grant faces the media - Photo FAZ Media.
Zambia coach Avram Grant has admitted being worried with the qualify possessed by Ivory Coast as the two sides prepare to face off in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers on Friday.
Despite the concerns the former Chelsea coach said his side will concentrate on doing its part to get a good result against the African champions. Zambia and the Elephants will face off in a Group G fixture at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola.
Addressing the media ahead of the cruch clash, Grant said his focus is to help Chipolopolo earn back-to-back AFCON appearances. “In any case, we know that they are a very good team, but we have to concentrate on what we have to do to pick a result,” said Grant.
“It is a fact that Ivory Coast have qualified already so they are more relaxed. Ivory Coast is a good team, with good players, no doubt about it. They are champions of Africa, and they secured their place yesterday, two days before the end which means that they have a lot of good players. We have a lot of respect but on the pitch we will play our game.”
On Zambia’s qualification chances, Grant said: “So far results show it depends on us because in any case, it could go to the last game.”
Grant’s sentiments were echoed by midfielder Emmanuel Banda, who said: “We have prepared adequately as a team, we know Friday’s game is an important game, we are focusing on getting maximum points.
“We want to get back to the AFCON. Everyone in the squad believes that we are going to do our best. We are determined to get a good result and hope to make everyone proud.”
Already qualified Elephants tops the group with nine points with Zambia lying second with seven points while Sierra Leone are third on five points. Chad lies at the tail-end with three points and had their chances wiped out with a 1-1 draw with Sierra Leone on Wednesday.
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