AFCON: Zambia underdogs but in Morocco to compete – Sichone

Zambia national team Moses Sichone has labelled the team as underdogs heading to their opening 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) fixture in Morocco on Monday.

The Chipolopolo will face Les Aigles at Stade Mohammed V seeking perfect start from their Group A that includes hosts Morocco, and Comoros. The Zambia boys arrived in Casablanca on Friday after a week-long camp in Spain where they played DR Congo in a friendly they lost 2-0.

Their second friendly against African champions Ivory Coast was called off with Zambia FA saying they wanted the players to recover and get ready for the AFCON.

‘Football is not played on the paper’

“Of course we didn’t just come here to participate, but we are here to compete against every team that we will play against,” said Sichone as quoted by Bola News.

“I know it’s a difficult group where we are, but I believe in our boys so far. What I have seen is a lot of positive things. Of course, the chances are there. Football is not played on the paper, but on the field.”

Sichone, who took charge of the team after replacing former Chelsea coach Avram Grant, added: “We have always been telling them how important this AFCON is and that first games are always important, so if you don’t get the three points, at least you need to get a point.

“So we are taking the first game so seriously and will see the outcome of the 90 minutes.

“History keeps repeating itself. We might be here as underdogs, but let the tournament begin, and then you will see where Zambia will end.”

After the Mali fixture, Zambia will return to action against Comoros on Friday, December 26, before winding up their preliminary matches against Morocco on Monday, December 29.